Tuvalu

In Tuvalu, an island can begin with a basket of sand.

According to an old story from Nanumea, two women, Pai and Vau, arrived carrying baskets filled with sand. They poured it into the sea, and where it fell, the island rose.

Later, the warrior Tefolaha arrived and claimed the island for himself. Pai and Vau told him he could have it only if he knew their names. He did — and they were forced to leave.

As they went, more sand spilled from their baskets. Where the new grains fell, small new islands rose from the sea.