While exploring Babeldaob, the biggest island of Palau, I was able to talk with Amania, an elder inhabitant of Ngardmau State.
Her age and rank are testified by the size and color of the stone money she is wearing around her neck. In the past this precious stones were used to exchange goods between clans and women were in charge of it.
Today this money continues to be offered to women by men in certain traditional marriage, funeral and first-child ceremonies.
#palau #ephemera #stonemoney #portrait #travel #documentary
Taken at: Babeldaob