Toluk dish

The giving and receiving of prestige objects is an important part of a number of so-called primitive cultures around the world, and is a very effective way of establishing social obligations.

Although men and women in Palau’s culture give and receive different and specific objects, their accumulation is recognized as part of a family’s wealth.

The cup, shaped like a small oval platter with sockets, was made from turtle shell, which was softened by soaking in hot water before being pressed in specially made molds. It represented a precious part of a woman’s wealth.

It was given from one woman to another as a gift for an important occasion such as a birth or a wedding.

The “toluk” cup was carefully preserved and passed down through many generations of women.

A similar example is in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York.
“The Michael C. Rockefeller Memorial collection”. Inv. 1978.412.756