Men's House and Meeting Places

Faluw - There are dozens of these large thatched men’s houses, their sharply pitched roofs jutting toward the sky, still dot Yap’s shores today. The Faluws traditionally were where all men spent their free time. Because of that the Faluw acted as a school (where boys would come to learn from the older men), a lodge and living quarters for young bachelors, a meeting place for village leaders, and a storage place for fishing equipment. Faluws were built on large, stone foundations (Daeif) surrounded by a stone platforms (Wunbay) that also served as an outdoor meeting area, provided with stone backrests. The entire hand built area thrust from shore toward deeper water. Men’s dances were practiced at the Faluw, and all women with the exception of Mispils, whom were the common wife of all the village men, were forbidden to enter.

Pebais - Large village community houses, very common on the island until Japanese occupational period. During the war all the houses were reportedly destroyed. Few have been rebuilt - those that have been, are in Western fashion. Both men and women used the Pebais area and the building itself. They were originally built in much the same style as men’s houses, but had open sides and were larger.

Dapal - The Dapal was a woman’s area. Few remain today, but once all women went to Dapals during their menstrual periods. While there, they would make a new grass skirts, bathe, and occasionally make gifts for her husband or boyfriend. Men were forbidden to even enter the area surrounding the Dapal.