Airai Bai (Architecture in Babeldaob)

Palau's oldest bai also named Airai Bai (men's meeting house) is over 100 years old, measuring 21 meters long and 6 meters wide with a steeply pitched roof reaching a height of 12 meters. It is one of the most beautiful historical sites in Palau. It was constructed on a stone foundation using local resources such as wood and thatch. A variety of classic scenes and significant themes are painted both inside and out. Look for the famous money bird delerrok, which is thought to bring good luck to the hamlet and can be found in all four corners of the bai.

In the village of Airai, the bai is the focal point of civic and religious life. Women require special permission to enter the building, which is used by the village's ten chiefs who play key roles in the government. Each chief represents his or her clan and has his or her own seat in the meetinghouse. Airai Bai is located in the village of Airai, in a clearing. It is not well-marked; get instructions from locals. The bai's keeper is likely to arrive out of nowhere and demand the admittance fee.

The meetinghouse also serves as a repository for local folklore and myths. The beams are painted with symbols like the rooster, money bird, spider, and bats. This is a section of a story that tells about the village and the spirit world. There are lamps that hang from the beams for lighting and in the center there is a wooden beam known as the Ngchongch which is a path for the gods so that they can join the meetings.

Location: Babeldaob, Palau