The Rawata Pass Incident was a lagoon obstruction on the island of

Marakei Marakei is a small atoll in the North Gilbert Islands. It consists of a central lagoon with numerous deep basins, surrounded by two large islands separated by two narrow channels. The atoll covers approximately . Geography Marakei's total land ...

in 1912. After conflict with neighbouring Bwainuna village about

dowry A dowry is a payment, such as property or money, paid by the bride's family to the groom or his family at the time of marriage. Dowry contrasts with the related concepts of bride price and dower. While bride price or bride service is a payment ...

for a marriage, Tawata Tiloio organised Norauea village to obstruct the Rawata Pass with canoes. This led to the lagoon being cut off from the sea and pressure on Bwainuna to satisfy the demands of the bride's family. The incident is a legend in Kiribati. A canoe from the incident is displayed in the Kiribati National Cultural Centre and Museum.

References

*Naina, Shirley (1974). ''History of Marakei''. Micronesia Press. History of Kiribati 1912 in Oceania 20th century in Kiribati {{Kiribati-stub