Meteu 'L Klechem
Meteu 'L Klechem is a historic stone monument in Melekeok, on Babeldaob Island in Palau. The roughly octagonal stone is about 7 feet long, 2 feet thick, and weighs around 3,000 pounds. In 1976 it was recorded as being used as a bridge over a small stream.
The stone is tied to Metau, a warrior from the late 18th century (also spelled Meteu). In 1785 Metau was ambushed and killed on Koror Island as revenge for attacks on Yapese boats. His body was kept as a ransom, and Metau’s brother Reklai paid about $60,000 to obtain it. In 1795 the stone and the body were moved to Melekeok for burial.
The stone stood at the Beriber pier until 1948, when it was moved to its current location in Melekeok. The site was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places on September 30, 1976.
This page was last edited on 2 February 2026, at 02:59 (CET).