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KUBARY TRANSLATION PROJECT
Johann S. Kubary (1846-1896) first landed on Palau in 1871, and spent time in Micronesia in the 1870-1880s during a window of time when there was already contact with foreign traders, but before the islands were forever changed by outside influences. Any foreigner who has ever lived on these islands can imagine the hardships this man must have endured for 27 years trying to collect and survive in 1800s Micronesia by himself. Collecting and preserving artifacts and specimens amidst local intrigues, storms, humidity, diseases, wars, and with a constant lack of funding and supplies. He survived with a rare under- standing of local languages, politics, and cultures of Micronesia no foreigner had had before him.
He recorded and photographed things about Palauan and Micronesian culture that people today have no knowledge of anymore, and which would have been lost in history if it were not for his efforts. He had an endless curiosity about the people and nature around him in Micronesia, and never stopped exploring and recording new things. Although he spent years in German New Guinea out of necessity when he lost his museum collecting contracts for Micronesia, it was clear his passion was for the Micronesian Islands, especially Palau, Yap, and Ponape.
Speaking Palauan fluently, he became close friends with the High Chief Reklai at the time, lived in Melekeok where he was given a Chief's title, and spoke up on behalf of the people of Melekeok to the British authorities about their unfair treatment by Koror.