The handprints, according to Meked Besebes, Belau National Museum’s Ethnographer, symbolize the bilateral relations between Palau and Taiwan, to support each other in recognition of the indigenous cultures of both countries.
“We are now preparing the necessary papers, and we will soon put it up along with other exhibits,” Besebes said in an interview.
Taiwan Ambassador Maggie Tien personally turned over the handprints on clay of two presidents to Pia Morei, Belau Museum Director. President Toribiong was also present during the handover ceremony.
Taiwan and Palau have entered into an agreement in March to cooperate in indigenous cultural exchange, tourism and research. The agreement was signed during the opening of the “Alii Taiwan” exhibition, a showcase of Taiwan indigenous people’s traditional and modern cultural crafts at the Ngarachamayang Cultural Center. They sealed the agreement by imprinting both their right hands on clay.
The agreement, which will last for five years, provides for reciprocal exchanges, including cultural and tourism personnel, artists, publications, exhibitions and cooperation on arts, artifacts and other related themes.
The agreement allows both countries to showcase each other’s culture both in Taiwan and Palau.
