Pacific Marquesas Islands Carved Ironwood Fan Handle ‘Ke’e’

Period: 1800-1900

Origin: Marquesas Islands

Medium: Wood

Literature: Captain Cook was the first explorer to describe Marquesas fans in 1774, collecting four on the Island of Tahuta where reputedly the finest fans were made. Ornamental fans were ceremonial accessories carried as insignia of rank by both men and women. They would be proudly displayed on important occasions, especially at feasts where their visual impact would be enhanced by the elegant manner with which they were held, particularly by women.