Toluk - Palau's Mysterious Currency

It looks beautiful, is colourful, very old and women wear it about their necks. However these stones are not mere jewellery but the traditional money of Palau. In addition to this gold stone, there is also toluk, or women's money as it is called because only women receive this as recognition of their services and only from other women. The value of these stones depends on the size, colour and weight and most especially on what woman from what clan owned the stone previously. Although US dollars are used for everyday items, the stone form of money has still survived as a currency. This is evident, for example, at traditional events such as the ceremony for first-time mothers, at funerals and weddings as well as at the election of a new chief. The Palauan money system is unique in the world. Using the metaphor of the money, the film leads us into the mysterious world of Palau and the complicated social structure of these Pacific islands, in which women play a very special role.

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