Abstract

The departure of the 20^th century left an indelible stain in both the cosmological remains and the ontological priorities that are intimately linked to the articulation of Palauan epistemology. This qualitative study examines the plethora of written ethnographic observations and descriptions on Palau, to cull for socio-cultural values and beliefs, narratives and proverbs that articulate responses to the epistemological question: “What are the methods or sources that Palauans utilize to solve their problems and acquire knowledge?”

This dissertation engages the notions of blebaol (gift, gift of life), klomengelungel (to carry on shoulder, back), ma tekoi er a Belau (words of Belau) to form the philosophical framework from which to critically discuss and articulate a “way of knowing” organic to Palau. In the written words of Western and European research, blebaol and klomengelungel are construed and conveyed as the primarily cultural practices of head-hunting and prostitution respectively. This dissertation argues that blebaol and klomengelungel are more complex than mere socio-cultural practices. Beneath the cortex of the socio-cultural-practices of head-hunting and prostitution lie a philosophical vortex of knowledge delineated and articulated as male and female forms of knowing.

This work draws on the voices of ten Palauan mentors to navigate the labyrinth of cultural values and beliefs that constitute identity and place, and thus consistently link to blebaol and klomengelungel . Illuminating upon traditional forms and sites of knowledge production and exchange this work expands on the ontological priorities and values that inform the philosophical sinew woven through the socio-cultural values and beliefs, and ways of knowing, that are at once complex, multifaceted, and profound.