Late 19th C. Fijian Palm Leaf & Sennet Fan

Oceania, Polynesia, Fiji Islands, ca. late 19th to early 20th century CE. A fine example of a broad personal fan with a slender handle wrapped with twisted sennet fibers and accentuated with broad brown zigzags. The fan head is composed of intricately braided palm leaf strands stemming from a central stalk, and the flexible yet structurally sound form was ideal for pushing as much air towards the user as possible. Palm leaf fans like this example are typically swung around by women during the traditional Fijian 'seasea' dance, though male warriors would wield them during their dances as symbols of prestige and skill. Size: 10.75" W x 15.625" H (27.3 cm x 39.7 cm); 16.875" H (42.9 cm) on included custom stand.

Provenance: private Hawaii, USA collection

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#152578 Dimensions: Condition Report: Minor losses to one side of fan body as shown. Slight bending and deformation to overall form of fan body, with loosening and light fraying to some palm leaf fibers. Smooth patina throughout. Fan still functions and flexes during fanning.