Atiliw

Atiliw (also spelled as Aatiliw, Ateliw, Atliw, and Qatliw) is a village in Fanif municipality on Marbaa' in Yap. Its approximate location is 9.551764896° N, 138.1028098° E.

Rank and Political Status

Within the Yapese system of ranked villages associated with Tabinaw, Atiliw is classified as Caste I, Class 3 (I–3). Its polling place is Gilfith.

Atiliw is associated with the chiefly center at Rull. In that relationship, the village is obligated to provide the first catch of a fish known as buy, along with other forms of support when called upon.

Population and Land

In 1966, Atiliw had a population of 68 people, consisting of 33 males, 34 females, and one individual recorded outside those categories. The village lands covered approximately 586.67 acres, with an average of 8.63 acres per person.

Land Tenure and Use

Land in Atiliw includes parcels associated with different rights holders. The sib Raclang holds trustee (mafen) rights to land in the village, including rights to certain banana resources.

Certain areas are set aside for specific uses, including meeting grounds, men’s houses, dance grounds, and burial areas. These uses are tied to village authority and are not freely altered.

Marine Resources and Infrastructure

Atiliw is associated with named fish weirs, including Balegarow, Fann Ruayngeg, Fitebayam, Fith, and Pa'ermach Estate.

A cultural site is located approximately 0.30 to 0.37 km from the village, and a bridge is located approximately 0.29 km away.

In 1973, village leaders agreed to the construction of the Adbue–Atiliw road. The agreement allowed construction across village lands without claims for damage.

Land parcels in Atiliw are also recorded within the cadastral system, including coastal parcels adjacent to both road access and the ocean.

Maritime Practice

Canoe construction and use are present in Atiliw. Knowledge of canoe building was held by trained individuals and passed on through instruction. Construction required coordinated labor, including shaping logs and moving materials to the shore. By the mid-twentieth century, canoes were also obtained through exchange or purchase.