Dance Wand

ClassificationsClothing and Adornments-staffs, scepters, & wands

Datemid 20th Century

Made AtPalau

MediumWood, paper, plastic and string

Dimensions19 × 2 1/4 × 3/4 in. (48.3 × 5.7 × 1.9 cm)

Credit LineGift of Frieda O. Wray from the Estate of Dr. & Mrs. Douglas and Carolyn Osborne

Object number2019.17.6

DescriptionThis is a Palauan dance wand used by the donor—or donor’s sister—during a ceremonial dance on the opening day of the Palau Museum Men’s Meeting House in 1969. Traditional dances were reserved for ceremonies commemorating special occasions; such as celebrating the rebuilding of destroyed buildings or festivities honoring the gods. Palauan dancing revolves around storytelling by incorporating the use of chanting, singing, and dance tools as a way of passing along oral tradition.

On View

Not on view

Collections