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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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