View source for How land was acquired or entrusted

=== How Land Was Acquired or Entrusted ===

Land is acquired or entrusted through lawful relationship, not through conquest, purchase, or declaration. Adaawk record the specific circumstances through which a house came to hold responsibility for a territory, establishing the origin of authority and obligation.

Acquisition or entrustment may arise from original instructions, migration, settlement, alliance, marriage, protection, or service rendered. In each case, the relationship is affirmed through witnessing and preserved through Adaawk, ensuring that the basis for territorial authority remains known and accountable.

Entrustment reflects recognition of responsibility rather than ownership. A house may be entrusted with care of a territory because it demonstrated the capacity to steward land, maintain balance, defend access, or fulfill obligations on behalf of a wider collective. Such entrustment carries continuing duties rather than absolute control.

Adaawk describe not only the origin of territorial responsibility but also its conditions. Authority is retained only so long as responsibilities are upheld. Where stewardship fails or obligations are violated, Adaawk provide guidance for correction, reassignment, or restoration of balance.

Through Adaawk, the manner in which land was acquired or entrusted remains visible across generations. This continuity prevents arbitrary claims to territory and ensures that land remains held in trust through responsibility, relationship, and law.

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==== Related Concepts (To Be Developed) ====

* [[Original Instructions and Land]]
* [[Entrustment Through Alliance or Marriage]]
* [[Collective Recognition of Territory]]
* [[Loss or Reassignment of Territorial Responsibility]]
* [[Trust Relationship to Land]]