ANCIENT STONE MONEY BANK RECEIVES MODERN ADDITION

 

 

 

 

 

 

Colonia, Yap. The Mangyol Stone Money Cultural Site on the island of Yap is a popular sight for tourists to this remote island due to its unique cross-shaped design. Set in lush surroundings with a collection of 71 large discs of the currency that is found nowhere else in the world, visitors come from all over the globe to see the Stone Money that Yap is famous for. Now, the Yap Visitors Bureau (YVB) has added a new accommodation to this ancient site for visitors, a modern restroom facility.

 

Don Evans, YVB General Manager, recently announced the construction of the small building and noted that “it’s conveniently located in the parking area nearby, but outside the core zone where it’s not a disturbance to the universal value of the site.” Located in Makiy village, Gagil municipality, the site is the most significant undisturbed money bank in Yap and is currently on UNESCO’s “tentative list” for consideration to become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

 

“We are striving to provide tourists to Yap with accommodations that will make their visit even more enjoyable,” added Tom Tamangmow, YVB Project Development Manager, who oversaw the design and construction of the new building. “Providing clean restrooms, running water and a dropdown change table for mothers with infants is one way of doing this.”

 

The area consists of two stone money banks that cross in the middle. One extends south to north and is traditionally referred to as Bleyrach, while the other crosses over from east to west and is referred to as Mangyol. Bleyrach is one of the seven original banks said to have been designated by spirits in the pre-historic era. Mangyol is the last one constructed prior to the Spanish occupation in the 16th century. Historically, both are commonly referred to as Mangyol. It is recommended that visitors go with a local guide. For more information, go to www.visityap.com.