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Trukese also known as “Chuuk” Pitek, Emily

Description

The Trukese are a group of people who inhabit what is now known as the Chuuk state of the Federated States of Micronesia. During the World War I era, Japan replaced Germany as the ruling power in Micronesia, and in 1945 the United States replaced Japan through a United Nations Trusteeship. Chuuk was incorporated as a state within the newly independent Federated States of Micronesia in 1986. This entry focuses more specifically on those living on the island of Romonum around the time of 1947. While this entry focuses on the traditional beliefs of the Trukese, it is important to note that Christian influence was present at this time. Traditional Trukese beliefs included various types of supernatural beings, rituals, and religious practitioners. Religious practitioners specialized in activities such as fortunetelling, mediumship, or leading specific rituals such as increasing breadfruit supply. Chiefs held authority, in part, due to a close connection with the supernatural realm. Because religious beliefs are tied up with the Trukese society at large, this entry considers the religious group to be coterminous with the society itself.

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Attribution 4.0 International