For centuries, island people have lived off the land, harvesting a bountiful supply of fruits, vegetables, and sea life in an environment of scarcity. This paradox is enhanced through their handicrafts of intricately woven and carved items. It is often said that the very skilled make their art appear effortless, and in Chuuk, this is reflected in their work.

Using the island's natural elements -- brown and pale green pandanus fibers, cowry shells, bamboo, and hibiscus fibers, coconut leaf stems and fibers -- skilled artisans weave an infinite variety of wall mats, curios, and necklaces.

CARVINGS
Wood carvers fashion by hand sea life, or any element natural and spiritual to Chuuk in the traditional method of the great carvers from Fefan Island, one of the larger islands located near Weno. Fine attention to detail makes the colors and grains stand out in such exotic woods as cordia, coconut, and mangrove.  Painstaking detail ensures the images of the carvings are accurate in every detail.

Quality examples of breadfruit and hibiscus woodcarvings can be seen in the famous Mortlockese tapuanu masks, bearded breadfruit pounders, traditional love sticks, and storyboards. On the darker side, traditional weapons -- shark's tooth knuckle-dusters and war clubs -- will add another dimension to your art collection.

Ethnographic studies reveal that the Mortlockese tapuanu mask, originally made from the ubiquitous breadfruit tree, was used to ward off evil spirits that brought destructive typhoons. Today, these same masks are called "devil masks" and can be seen hanging in the ut, or men's house and in select stores on Weno.

The Chuukese love stick is another unique cultural icon. In the days of yore, every adult male had an individually carved love stick. Patterns and lengths varied. At night, the man would gently push the stick through the palm-thatched wall and waken the woman of his affections. If the woman pulled the stick in, the man's advances were accepted. If she pushed the stick back, the man was rejected.

WEAVINGS
Pandanus-woven mats can be seen everywhere, but are difficult and time-consuming to make. Women will gather in groups for hours at a time talking and weaving. Intricate patterns are skillfully woven into a complex design, sometimes using colorful plastic wrappings to brighten the borders. The mats of Nama Island in the Upper Mortlocks are reputedly some of the finest in Chuuk.

Both the carvings and weavings will adorn your home with an elegance that has become a part of what Micronesia is all about: understated beauty.

SHIPMENTS
Special requests can be arranged and we will send their work to you no matter where you are in the world.