Motifs of Palau

One of the few places in ancient Palau to have ornamentation was the men’s meeting house, called the bai. These are a few of the symbols found painted on the bai and their meaning.

The rooster (malk) is found on the front pillars of the bai and symbolizes the importance of timeliness and being productive.

The surgeonfish (mesekuuk) is painted repetitively in a line, all facing the same direction, as this fish is usually found in large schools. This symbolizes the importance of unity.

The woman (dilukai) with her legs open is found often near the top of the bai and symbolizes fertility.

The spider (bubuu) is a symbol of the spider demi-god Mengidabrutkoel, who introduced natural childbirth to the people of Palau. Previously, women usually had C-sections and died in childbirth.

The delerrok is a symbol where a seabird named a whimbrel (okak in Palauan) is both eating and pooping money, as a symbol of wealth.

The terroi el beluu is a circular symbol with two sets of heads, hands, and feet, to symbolize the coming together of villagers, especially for harvest or community events.