KOROR STATE GOVERNMENT MARINE TOUR GUIDE ... - C3

This section covers a few aspects of Palauan culture, including an outline of cultural
sites in Koror.
4.1 Traditional Society
According to archaeological evidence, by AD1200, most of the people had left their
homes in the Rock Islands and moved to the bigger islands of Babeldaob, Oreor and
Ngemelachel. They had a well-established Palauan society with emphasis on a
matrilineal clan system, closely tied to reciprocity and competition. In the early days,
each village had its political structure consisting of a council of chiefs and the various
dual clan organizations. Prior to contact with foreigners, different villages started
increasing their influence and power by forming alliances and through warfare. Two
villages that eventually became powerful were Melekeok in Babeldaob (high waters) and
Oreor in Iouldaob (low waters). Alliances under these two villages headed by the Reklai
of Melekeok and the Ibedul of Oreor consisted of loose, fluctuating federations.
The female chiefs were; and still are, responsible for the selection of the male chiefs
from a group of potential candidates. The women were responsible for awarding titles
and the titles bore the authorities and responsibilities of the position. When a title holder
died, the title reverted back to the women who would then pass it on to a qualified
member of a chiefly line. The recipients were normally from the matrilineal line.
The male chiefs determined issues such as warfare, fishing and construction of the bai.
The ranking women had authoritative roles in agriculture, marriage, birth, death and
funerals, and food preparation. This is in addition to the role of the high-ranking women
in conferring chiefly titles on the men.
In general, there were 7-10 clans which were ranked from the highest to the lowest in
each village. When the chiefs met, they sat in order with the highest-title holder of the
highest clan acting as the leader of the village council.
A village might have more than one club; one for young men, one for middle-aged men
and one for old men. These clubs would compete with each other in carrying out the
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