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Description and History: 1526-1972
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FIGURE 1-27, TYPICAL OUTRIGGER CANOE OF THE MARSHALL ISLANDS.
settlement pattern of both communities was dispersed; residences were
located on separate land parcels and were scattered along the length of the
lagoon beach.22
The sociopolitical structure of the two communities was identical. Each
was headed by a hereditary iroij or chief, and succession to the office was
patrilineal. The chiefs directed the affairs of their respective communities,
arbitrated disputes, and consulted one another with regard to concerns of
the entire atoll and the total population's relations with outsiders. The atoll
was divided into two geographical areas, and each of the chiefs had
authority over one of the two domains. The domain of the Enewetak chief
began with the Islands of Kidrenen (Keith), Ribewon (James), Boken
(Irwin), Mut (Henry), and Ikuren (Glenn) in the atoll’s southwest
quadrant, extended counterclockwise around theatoll up to and including
Runit (Yvonne) Island, as well as Aomon (Sally) on the northeast rim.
With the exception of Aomon, the Enjebi chiefs domain extended north
of Runit beginning with Billae (Wilma) Island and extended
counterclockwise aroundthe atoll’s northern and western rim up to and
including Biken (Leroy) Island.23
Relations- between the two communities and the traditional dispersed
pattern of residence were altered with the military invasion of Enewetak
Atoll in 1944. Because Enewetak andEnjebi Islands had been devastated
by the battle for the atoll, the U.S. Navy resettled all of the people in a
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