Culture in Palau
From multiple occupations to independence
The archipelago was occupied at least 1000 years BC by populations from the Philipines and the Sunda Islands and discovered by the Spanish in 1543 and 1710. The islands were christened "Palaos" and this name most probably came from "Paraos" meaning "dugout".
In 1783, the running aground of Captain Henry Wilson's vessel the "Antelope" created the British claim from 1784 to 1800 under the name of "Pelew Islands".
In 1875 Spain occupied the territory again, evangelised the population and introduced the alphabet. In 1899, following the Hispanic-American war, the "Palaos" were sold to Germany together with the Caroline Islands. They then belonged to German New Guinea and acquired their final name, Palau.
Japan took possession of the territory in 1914 until the United States removed them following violent confrontations in 1944, notably on Peleliu Island. The Americans settled in from 1947 under the agreement of the United Nations, who gave guardianship of the territory to the Pacific Islands.
Worried about their future and their autonomy, the Palau people voted by referendum in 1979 to obtain a new constitution and initiate the procedures to obtain their independence, which happened in 1994. From that date, the Palau Republic was accepted into the United Nations and became one of the youngest States in the world.
One population, one culture:
The multiple occupations Palau experienced permanently influenced its population. The 3 generations living nowadays in the archipelago are descendents of a subtle combination between populations from the Philipines, Japan and Oceania, while American influence westernised them, the Palau people live in perfect harmony with the environment. They revert more and more to their ancestral traditions: weddings, births and funerals give rise to magnificent and ritual ceremonies. The importance given to ancient jewellery such as "Uboud" and "Bachel" (necklaces and bracelets made of mineral mixes and passed on from generation to generation) during financial transactions and ceremonies will surprise any visitor.
The Etpison Museum in Koror recounts the archipelago history and culture to perfection. A visit is a must.
