Who Are the Palauan People?
The Palauan (Belau) are the indigenous Micronesian people of Palau, an archipelago of over 340 islands in the western Pacific. Approximately 18,000 Palauans live in Palau, with thousands more in the US (especially Guam and Hawaii) under the Compact of Free Association. Palau is famous for its spectacular Rock Islands—ancient coral uplifted into mushroom-shaped limestone formations—and marine biodiversity. Palauan culture is matrilineal, with clan and title systems that continue governing traditional affairs alongside modern democratic government.
Matrilineal Clans
Palauan society is matrilineal—clan membership, land rights, and titles pass through mothers. Ten clans trace descent from founding ancestresses. Clan membership determines which traditional chief titles one can hold and which lands one can access. Women make major decisions about clan property and chieftain selection. The oldest women (mechesil) hold significant authority. This matrilineal system persists alongside modern governance, with traditional chiefs recognized in the constitution and participating in a Council of Chiefs alongside elected government.
Bai: The Meeting House
The bai is the traditional Palauan meeting house—an elaborately decorated structure where chiefs meet, ceremonies occur, and oral traditions are transmitted. Bai facades feature carved and painted storyboards (storyboards) depicting legends, history, and moral teachings. These visual narratives, originally sacred clan property, have become recognized art forms, with storyboard carving a significant craft. Traditional bai construction techniques are being revived, and the buildings serve as cultural centers and tourist attractions while maintaining ceremonial functions.
Marine Conservation Leadership
Palau has become a global leader in marine conservation. In 2015, Palau created one of the world's largest marine protected areas, covering 80% of its exclusive economic zone—an area larger than California. Traditional bul (moratorium) systems already governed reef management. Palau requires arriving tourists to sign a "Palau Pledge" promising environmental responsibility. This conservation leadership reflects both traditional ocean stewardship and modern environmental policy, positioning a small island nation as a significant voice in global sustainability discussions.
Money and Custom
Traditional Palauan money (udoud) consists of ceramic beads and glass items, some centuries old, used in customary exchanges including marriage, death ceremonies, and settling disputes. Each piece has known history and value based on age, type, and provenance. Udoud circulates alongside US dollars (Palau's official currency), with traditional money required for customary transactions. This dual economy demonstrates how indigenous systems persist alongside modern economic integration, with custom maintaining value that cannot be replaced by cash.
References
- Nero, K. L. (1987). A Cherechar a Lokelii: Beads of History of Koror, Palau
- Parmentier, R. J. (1987). The Sacred Remains: Myth, History, and Polity in Belau
- McKnight, R. K. (1978). Proverbs of Palau