Koror: Trinkets, Handicrafts, Souvenir advice sought

[ColdH2OisNot4Me]

I'll be going to Koror in November for 2 weeks aboard different live-aboards. My time in Koror itself will be VERY limited and would like to know if it would be worthwhile to extend my time by a day to purchase wood carvings ( I collect masks ). What is the major handicraft item in Koror? Do the liveaboards have locals bring handicrafts onboard for visits and sale?
I appreciate any input and would like to return from Palau with more than memories and loaded photo memory cards and film.
Thanks!

 

[PalauDiver]

The main crafted item from Palau is the storyboard. It is a palauan legend carved on a piece of wood. They are very beautiful and very unique. They are sold in most stores, but the best place to get one is at the Koror Prison, better variety and usually better quality. The prisoners carve them for sale. Ask anyone around the prison where the storyboards are, or go in the front door and speak to anyone there. Another item that may interest you, especially if you are into underwater hunting is a palauan speargun, made from ironwood or mahogany, great for display but can be used also, I have several that I use, some I bought and some I made and they are great. The prisoners also make spearguns for sale too.

You will get better stuff at the prison and you can haggle them down in price. Getting these items at most regular stores is a waste of money.

 

[ColdH2OisNot4Me]

Thank you for the insight. My only day "free" will be a Tuesday. Are there any special things about the prison or local customs I should be aware of (ie. shop times, days closed, etc..).
Do the prisoners or locals carve any ceremonial masks?
I appreciate your comments.

 

[PalauDiver]

You should be able to go into the prison during normal working hours. Unfortuantely there are really no masks in palauan culture. Still you may find some masks carved simply because of tourist demand.

 

[thranx]

The prison is indeed a good place to shop (it's not an intimidating place at all). You might also seek out Tebang woodcarving, operated by master carver Ling Inabo. His shop has done/is doing a lot of the carving for the new capitol building. Tebang is just off the main road between town and the bridge to the main island.

In stores, beware of multiple souvenirs imported from the Phillipines, Taiwan, Indonesia, etc. Come to think of it, that's valid advice anywhere in the world.

The post office in town utilizes U.S. stamps, packaging, etc. (even has a U.S. zip code), and offers a convenient alternative to lugging souvenir purchases home.

 

[CARHILL]

Since you will be there for two weeks go to the prision before you go on the live aboard get to know a carver tell hiom what you want. He might be able to carve somthing while you are there. The locals in this part of the world don't do masks not part of their culture. We like to know the artest ( ie why is he in jail) of our storyboards that we have. it makes for good stories for friends from the mainland that come to the islands to visit.
I see you don't like cold water yesterday the water temp was 84.9 F be carefull we came here for vacation from Iowa 5 years ago and we are still here.

Dale
Still on a little rock in the Pacific