For your consideration is this Polynesian Tuvalu Woven Fan, circa 19th century. This design and shape is attributed to the Pacific islands of Tuvalu. Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellice Islands in the South Pacific, is an independent island nation within the British Commonwealth. Its 9 islands comprise small, thinly populated atolls and reef islands with palm-fringed beaches and WWII sites. Scholars believe that the Polynesians spread out from Samoa and Tonga into the Tuvaluan atolls. Intricately woven hand fans were used to keep cool, but also given as gifts to friends and sold to visitors. Leaves are cut from the Pandan plant, trimmed to remove the spiked edges, and dried in the sun for days to turn them from green to beige. The longer they are left in the sun, the higher the quality. The leaves were then cut to size and dyed if the weaver chooses to add in some colorful accents before being woven together. They are also decorated with feathers, shells, and beads. The fan has feathers of white and grey colouration adorning the outer edge, the central shaft has a woven hoop at the end for hanging the fan. Measures 8"W x 11.5"L.