 The city, however, had declined by around 1800 along with the Saudeleur dynasty and was completely abandoned by the 1820s.During the 19th century, the region was divided between the colonial powers, but art continued to thrive.Wood-carving, particularly by men, flourished in the region, resulted in richly decorated ceremonial houses in Belau, stylized bowls, canoe ornaments, ceremonial vessels and sometimes sculptured figures.