Marum is a noun used to describe a traditional system of land ownership and inheritance in the Pacific Island of Vanuatu. Derived from the Bislama word meaning "clan" or "family," marum refers to the practice of communal land tenure and the transfer of ancestral lands and resources from one generation to another within a specific clan or kinship group.
In the context of marum, land is understood to be an essential and sacred part of a community's identity, history, and culture. It represents a collective belonging and is considered a communal asset that is managed collectively for the benefit of the whole clan. The allocation of land resources within a marum system is based on customary rules, beliefs, and rituals that hold significant cultural and spiritual values.
Under the marum system, land cannot be bought or sold, but it can be leased or allotted for specific purposes or durations. It is the responsibility of the clan's chief or elder to oversee the fair distribution and management of land resources among the clan members, ensuring that each individual has access to land for their livelihoods and sustenance.
Marum not only regulates land ownership but also determines the social structure, political organization, and interpersonal relationships within the clan. It serves as the foundation for the social fabric and cohesion of communities in Vanuatu, emphasizing the importance of kinship ties, reciprocal obligations, and collective decision-making processes.
Overall, marum represents a unique and culturally significant system of land ownership and inheritance that plays a pivotal role in the social, economic, and spiritual lives of the people of Vanuatu.
