The Airai Bai (Men's Meetinghouse of Airai) in Palauan is a traditional meetinghouse in the Airai municipality on Babeldaob, the largest island in the island nation of Palau. It is located in the center of the village on a stone platform that had previously held earlier bais, and is located at the junction of two traditional stone pathways. The building is 68 by 20 feet (20.7 m × 6.1 m), rising to a height of 40 feet (12 m) at its peak. Its facade and interior beams are decorated with depictions of Palauan legends. It was built around 1890, and underwent a major restoration in the 1970s. The building and site have long been the spiritual and civic centerpiece of the community.[2]

Bai Ra Irrai
Airai Bai is located in Palau
Airai Bai
LocationAirai, Babeldaob, Palau
Area2 acres (0.81 ha)
Built1890 (1890)
ArchitectMultiple
NRHP reference No.76002195[1]
Added to NRHPSeptember 20, 1976

The building was listed on the United States National Register of Historic Places (as "Bai Ra Irrai") in 1976,[1] a time when Palau was part of the United States Trust Territories of the Pacific.

References

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  1. ^ a b "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. ^ "NRHP nomination for Bai Ra Irrai". National Park Service. Retrieved 2015-03-12.