The Palauan bai is iconic not just because of its impressive structure, but because of what it has come to represent over hundreds of years in the eyes of sojourners and explorers who have come to Palau from centuries ago up until now.

Dec 23, 2018 · Palau was first inhabited by Austronesian settlers, possibly from Indonesia. It developed a unique matrilineal society where women often played a dominant rule in government and religion. Lands were held communally and ‘queens’ appointed chiefs, who were always men.

The present bai is typical in its decorative detail. The gables depict the "headline" stories and on the east gable of this bai appears the famous story of MiIadeldid, the goddess, whose children were the four predominant villages of Palau: Koror Aimeliik, Ngeremlengui, and Melekeok.

The Airai Bai (Men's Meetinghouse of Airai) in Palauan is a traditional meetinghouse in the Airai municipality on Babeldaob, the largest island in the island nation of Palau. It is located in the center of the village on a stone platform that had previously held earlier bais, and is located at the junction of two traditional stone pathways. The ...

While the bai is Palau’s most impressive architecture, skills in producing items of wood, shell and tortoise shell were highly developed. Spirit shrines were built as miniature bai, complete with thatch.

Aug 19, 2022 · Koror Palau, 96940. Phone: (+680) – 488 – 3420/5788 Fax: (+680) – 488 – 2732. Email: [email protected]. Hours: Monday to Friday 8am to 5pm only.

The Palauan Bai is an essential part of Palauan society, and its significance extends beyond its architectural and cultural significance. It serves as a center for community activities and plays a crucial role in the social and economic development of Palau.

Airai Village plays a larger role in bringing accord to Palau. Among the beams of the bai the story is told concerning the juncture of the pathways near the bai, a place in the village known today by the name Kombas.

Palau's oldest bai (men's meeting house) is over 100 years old, 21m long and 6m wide, with a steeply pitched roof reaching a height of 12m. It was constructed using local materials of wood and thatch on a stone platform. A number of legendary scenes and symbolic motifs are painted inside and outside.

Nestled in Airai, home to Palau's international airport, stands the Bai ra Rengarairai, the last remaining traditional-style bai in Palau. Listed on the Palau National Register of Historic Places and the American National Register, this bai carries a legacy of at least 180 years.