Cross-cultural Performances: a Palauan Hoax?

Nero, Karen (1992). "Cross-cultural Performances: a Palauan Hoax?". ISLA: A Journal of Micronesian Studies. 1 (1): 37–72. ISSN 1054-9390.

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Abstract: each other and directed their interactions according to these images and their self-interests. The analysis of oral and written histories, especially in areas of conflict, provides insights into these processes. This essay considers a hoax the Koror elite may have perpetrated against the British in the 1860s to protect their paramount chief. The British version of the event remained the official version in all scholarly writings and public histories of Palau until 1977 whena local history published a previously private chiefly version. A re-view of the incident suggests that historical studies must consider alternate versions not simply in light of current political interests in reconstructing history, but must anticipate that alternate versions might have been created and maintained at the time of the event for similar hegemonic reasons. The incident also provides insights into Palauan and British senses of justice.