Front of a Bai

Terroi el beluu is a circular figurine with two heads, two legs, and two arms. Once of these figurines is encircled by belsebasech, a continuous triangle pattern. This has come to symbolize continuity, each triangle representing a different season for planting, harvesting, etc. and showing how the members of the community need to cooperate and work in unison. Mesekuuk (surgeon fish) are a type of reef fish that, in the face of danger from a predator, congregate together under a leader to form the shape of one big fish that cannot be eaten, chasing the predator away. Mesekuuk symbolizes doing things together in unison, having one voice, supporting a decision when it has been made, and getting along. Lowest plank is chedeng, the shark. In Palauan community these facing sharks shows that we may be in unison and try to get along and work together with our women, but one should not mistake that to mean that they can try to run over us: like sharks, we are ready at all times to attack if necessary.