Day 130: Rull Men’s Meeting House (Faluw), Yap District, Federated States of Micronesia
📌APIA Every Day (130) - The Rull Men's Meeting House, or "faluw," is a significant cultural structure in Yap District, serving as a central location for various activities among men. Built with a sturdy and aesthetically pleasing design, the faluw in Rull features a large, hexagonal floor plan with a raised platform made of stones and a floor covered with treated betelnut tree trunks. Its roofing comprises pandanus, nipa, and coconut leaves, supported by bamboo reeds and tied with coconut fiber ropes, maintaining its original design. The selection of a faluw's site typically prioritizes free access to the sea for fishing and transportation. Constructing a faluw involves a collective effort from the village, led by heads of households who gather necessary materials and coordinate with community members, including those of lower castes.
Traditionally, men's houses were used for planning war strategies and conducting rites of passage as well as a secluded meeting place for men to discuss local politics, fishing, and village affairs. It also serves as storage for vital fishing equipment and a training ground for young men in various skills, such as fighting, fishing, and navigation. The faluw symbolizes village pride, making it a key place to host important ceremonies, and provides shelter for travelers and high-ranking visitors. Today, they continue to serve as venues for community and village planning, adhering to modern governance, including laws administered by the United States. The Rull Men’s Meeting House was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1976.
LEARN MORE:
Federated States of Micronesia: Traditional Culture
YouTube: MICRONESIA: Interior of a Men's House in YAP (Pacific Ocean)
The Guam Daily Post: Exploring Yap, the island of stone money
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