Modern culture Marshallese culture

1 modern culture

1.1 clothing , dress
1.2 income
1.3 land-based wealth
1.4 clan-based society
1.5 language

modern culture

the modern culture of islanders heavily influenced western christian missionaries began arriving in late 19th century. economic activity of marshallese bikini islanders has been changed growing dependence on payments made u.s. government.

clothing , dress

a woman named liijabor likiep atoll in marshal islands wears traditional nieded or clothing mat, circa 1918.

the men wore fringe skirt of native materials 25 30 inches (60 80 cm) long. women traditionally wore 2 mats yard (metre) square each, made weaving pandanus , hibiscus leaves together, , belted around waist. children naked.

the missionaries influenced islanders notions of modesty. in 1919, visitor reported marshall islands women perfect models of prudery. not 1 think of exposing ankles... every lagoon led king , queen , following of chieftains , chief women comprised ruling caste. of leaders maintained western-style bungalows , maintained servants, including secretaries, maids, , valets.

poverty non-existent. islanders worked copra plantations under watchful eye of japanese, took portion of sales. chiefs retain as us$20,000 per year. remainder distributed workers. marshall islanders formerly aggressive, influence of mission churches eliminated conflict. took pride in extending hospitality 1 another, distant relatives.

women in marshall islands today still modest. believe woman s thighs , shoulders should covered. women wear cotton muʻumuʻus or similar clothing covers of body. while personal health never discussed except within family, , although women private female-related health issues, willing talk breasts.

marshall island women swim in muʻumuʻus made of fine polyester dries. in capital of majuro, revealing cocktail dresses inappropriate both islanders , guests. increasing influence of western media, younger generation may wear shorts, though older generation equates shorts loose morals. t-shirts, jeans, skirts, , makeup making way via media islands.

income

before advent of western influence, islanders sustenance-based lifestyle based on cultivating native plants , eating shellfish , fish. payments made in 20th century descendants of bikini island residents reparations damage bikini atoll , islanders way of life have elevated income relative other marshall island residents. has caused bikini islanders become economically dependent on payments trust fund. dependency has eroded individual s interest in traditional economic pursuits taro , copra production. move altered traditional patterns of social alliance , political organization. on bikini, rights land , land ownership major factor in social , political organization , leadership. after relocation , settlement on kili, dual system of land tenure evolved. disbursements trust fund based in part land ownership on bikini , based on current land tenure on kili.

land-based wealth

the marshallese society matrilineal , land passed down generation generation through mother. land ownership ties families clans. grandparents, parents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, , cousins form extended, close-knit family groups. islanders continue maintain land rights primary measure of wealth.

to marshallese, land gold. if owner of land, held important figure in our society. without land viewed person of no consequence... land here on bikini poison land.

clan-based society

marshallese social classes included distinct chiefs , commoners. irooj laplap held power , considered sacred or godly. show respect, others stooped , approached on knees. obeyed orders of high chief. irooj laplap received best food, choose best land, , had many wives wanted. in return, responsible leading people in community work, on sailing expeditions, , in war. power limited 1 part or whole of 1 atoll. high chief waged war conquer , control several atolls. irooj laplap followed irooj rik, lesser chiefs, , kajur, or commoner.

each family part of clan (bwij), owns land. clan owes allegiance chief (iroij). chiefs oversee clan heads (alap), supported laborers (rijerbal). iroij control land tenure, resource use , distribution, , settle disputes. alap supervise land maintenance , daily activities. rijerbal work land including farming, cleaning, , construction.

the marshallese society matrilineal , land passed down generation generation through mother. land ownership ties families clans, , grandparents, parents, grandchildren, aunts, uncles, , cousins form extended, close-knit family groups, , gatherings tend become big events. 1 of significant family events first birthday of child {kemem}, relatives , friends celebrate feasts , song.

before residents relocated, led local chief , under nominal control of paramount chief of marshall islands. afterward, had greater interaction representatives of trust fund , u.s. government , began them support.

language

english official language , spoken widely, though not fluently. marshallese speak both marshallese language , @ least english. government agencies use marshallese. Оne important word in marshallese іs yokwe whіch іs similar hawaiian aloha , means hello , goodbye , love .