More Mysterious Micronesia

The Japanese occupied Micronesia during the early stages of World War 2 and at the Peace Conference in 1919 the islands were entrusted to Japan as a mandate from the League of Nations. The images on this site were taken in 1936 and provide a valuable historical record of pre-World War 2 Micronesia. 

An outrigger canoe in full flight off the island of Yap. Some South Sea canoes are the fastest in the world. Notice the long comb worn by a chief, silhouetted above the canoe.

A fruit bat can attain a span of three feet or more.

These bats are vegetarian and have a special fondness for young coconuts.

A youngster held aloft by his Dad is

wrapping adhesive around a perch as a trap for birds.

House-building on Truk (Chuuk) Island

A Chamorro accepts shell money from

a grass-skirted woman for two bottles of petroleum

Kusaie (Kosrae) Islanders pick out a likely

spot in the lagoon and encircle it with their nets

The Japanese-built hospital in Saipan

A Yap youngster on his bicycle

The young men of Tol celebrate the opening of an athletics field

The Spanish influence still remains in Yap

A Japanese Phosphate mine on Angaur Island

A captive dove serves as a hunter's decoy. Wild birds from the jungles,

attracted by its cries, are shot by Palau natives who lie in wait for them with deadly blow guns.

Stone money from Yap

A Japanese rice field on Ponape (Pohnpei)

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(E-mail: jane@janeresture.com -- Rev. 29th October 2008)