Butaritari is an atoll in the Pacific Ocean island nation of Kiribati. The atoll is roughly four-sided. The south and southeast portion of the atoll comprises a nearly continuous islet. Elevation: 9.843′ Area: 5.209 mi² It is known as the first island to have the Japanese and the Americans fierce involvement during the 2nd World War. Physical evidence of WWII relics and other historical sites can still be seen nowadays. Butaritari was once a home for Robert Louis Stevenson during the nineteenth century. Given its abundance of rain received in year, Butaritari is one of the lush ad tropical islands with widely grown vegetation on it. Because of this, bananas and pumpkin, apart from other food crops, are shipped to Tarawa for selling. Butaritari also has a number of easily accessible reefs. Its very deep lagoon has made it one of the best harbors in the island group that can comfortably accommodate large vessels. Other cultural shrines such as shrines for Te Binekua (calling of whales), Kaobunang and others have also been erected by the islanders which can also be seen today.The knowledge of calling whales and dolphins was practiced in the past, especially in Kuma village. This knowledge was only used during the village’s opening events which involved big feast like opening of new maneaba for village, church or schools. The formality of this started off when a person who was knowledgeable in this locked himself up in a local house (buia) for three days before the opening of each new maneaba. On the third day, he came out and whales were seen swimming up to the shore and were taken for meat during the feast. Traditionally, Butaritari and Making were ruled by a chief who lived on Butaritari Island. The chief has all the power and authority to make and impose decision for Butaritari and Makin. After Kiribati gained independence, the power and authority of the chief no longer exist and the mayor and elderly men are elected and now regarded as heads of the islands that can make and impose decisions regarding the community. Butaritari Island is now having its different head of state from Makin. |
The general setting up of Butaritari Island is naturally rural and the people still depend on sea and land for daily living and for earning income. The people of Butaritari Island value the importance of family and respect of the elderly, guest hospitality, cultural practices and coming together under the maneaba (traditional meeting house) to socialize and feast. Dress code is also restricted on the island. Casual wear is preferable and women are not allowed to walk around with mini skirts or shorts. A skirt/short covered down to your knees or wrapped around sulus and T-Shirts are preferable.
|