| | Culture and Arts in Palau
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Although in the past few decades Palau has adapted to an international economy, Palauans for the most part strongly identify with their traditional culture. Several of the traditional ceremonies, such as the omersurch birth ceremony, ocheraol first-house ceremony and the kemeldiil funeral services are widely practiced and the codes and beliefs adopted by Palauan forefathers are still revered today.
Probably the most noticeable aspect of Palauan culture is the people's connection with the sea. Traditionally, it was the duty of the family to go to sea to harvest fish and battle against enemy villages. As the sea was the source of their livelihood, men developed a close relationship with the waters of Palau, becoming versant in the currents and the phases of the moon and the behavior of the fish they sought to put on the table.
Women generally stayed on land or along the shallow reefs surrounding the islands, rather than combat the open ocean, providing foundation for the family. Their days were largely spent tending to their homes, family and fields where they grew taro.
Palauan villages were, and still are, organized around 10 clans reckoned matrilineally. A council of chiefs from the 10 ranking clans governed the village, and a parallel council of their female counterparts held a significant advisory role in the division and control of land and money.
Palauans are a highly sociable people. Traditionally, history, lore and knowledge were passed down through the generations orally as there was no written language until the late 1800's. Palauans still practice that traditional method, and at the end of the day, one can often find pockets of Palauans excitingly engaged in the telling of the stories of the more recent past.
ART
What are today termed arts and practiced by a few chosen craftsmen were at one time critical elements of Palauan society. Some have been transformed from their original form to satisfy current trends and tastes, but they all have their roots in the rich tapestry of Palau's unique culture.
Basket Weaving
From the leaves of coconut palms and the razor-sharp pandanus, women of Palau have woven household items, including sleeping mats, baskets and the sails of the long-range outrigger canoes. Although the women weavers still make traditional wares, they have introduced bags, backpacks and other useful items decorated with a variety of colorful geometric designs.
Canoe Building
Long ago, the primary form of travel around the islands was by canoe. Most people lived along the coast, and there were canoes for every task and occasion, such as the sleek war canoe or the bulkier kaeb canoe used to transport people from island to island. Few canoe craftsmen remain today, but there is always a demonstration of this essential craft at the Senior Citizens Center in Koror.
Chanting
Chants were used to relate stories of historical and ceremonial events and to parody individuals and situations. In Palauan tradition, to criticize or ridicule someone directly was a very harsh and humiliating action that could lead to further recrimination. Instead, the high people of a village would chant a song that was essentially a parody of a person or village that allowed people to enjoy the message while at the same time learning an important lesson. Chanting is performed on special occasions and in dance performances. One can request of an elder at the Senior Citizens center to demonstrate or give lessons.
Dance
Often, chants would be accompanied by dance, which were performed mainly at ceremonies commemorating a day or event. The movements are fluid and unhurried. Even the Palauan cha cha and jitterbug, adaptations of the dances brought in by the U.S. military, are performed with characteristic careful movement. Several restaurants have displays of traditional dance, but the more modern styles are evident on the dance floors at any nightclub.
Jewelry Crafts
In order to show social status, women wore udoud money necklaces and turtle shell bracelets. Another delicately carved and shaped turtle shell ornament is a small, shallow dish called toluk. This dish is also regarded as a form of money and was paid to women for their family obligations and services. Primarily using turtle shell and seashells, craftsmen carved and shaped their materials into a variety of uniquely formed items.
Storyboard Carving
Palauan history was until recent times preserved orally. The exception to this was the tales carved and painted into the beams and gables of the Bai meeting houses. Today, you may obtain one of these tales engraved and sometimes painted onto a piece of wood called a storyboard.
Explore more about Palau:
• History »
• Language »
• Introduction to Palau »
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