KOROR STATE GOVERNMENT MARINE TOUR GUIDE ... - C3

4.2 Palauan Money
Udoud
According to legends, some form of Palauan money (udoud) may have been in
existence in Palauan culture since ancient times. Some researchers believe that
Palauan money came from Yap, while others think it is more likely to have come from
South East Asia or China. Ornamental beads brought in as recently as the nineteenth
century have since been included in the Palauan money system. Nowadays, imitation as
well as authentic Palauan money is observed being worn around the neck by some
women and children. In the past, only high-ranking women wore Palauan money
necklaces, since Palauan money was owned mostly by high-ranking families.
Toluk
There is another type of money made of hawksbill turtle shell that is used only by
women. This particular valuable is called toluk and is used mainly as an exchange for
service. It may be accompanied by udoud if a particular circumstance requires both. In
ancient times, a certain type of seashell (chesiuch) was used as money. The toluk
eventually replaced this money.
Some of the important events in a person’s life or in village functions in which Palauan
money was and is still used are in ceremonies or transactions pertaining to birth,
marriage, house-building, divorce, adultery, mur (elaborate feasts), dance presentations,
women’s services, penalties, magic, death, inheritance, war and head-hunting and
installation of chiefs. Pictures depicting Palauan money and the legends surrounding it
are frequently painted on the rafters of the bai.
PVA
4.3 Canoes
Canoes were a very important part of the culture in Palau. There were four types of
regular vessels: sailing canoes, war canoes, cargo canoes, and ocean-going canoes.
These canoes were very well built and even heavily decorated, such as the paddling war
canoes, which could sometimes reach up to 40ft and could carry up to 30 people.
Canoes can be viewed in several states including Koror, Melekeok, and Ngchesar.
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