Broom

ClassificationsTools and Equipment

Datemid 20th Century

Made AtPalau

MediumCoconut leaflets and twine

Dimensions4 × 6 × 34 in. (10.2 × 15.2 × 86.4 cm)

Credit LineGift of Frieda O. Wray from the Estate of Dr. & Mrs. Douglas and Carolyn Osborne

Object number2019.17.3

DescriptionThis is a small handheld broom collected from the island country of Palau and dates back to the 20th century. In Palau, the most abundant and versatile tree is the coconut tree—which has applications in day to day tasks and cultural customs. Brooms are made by stripping the single leaf segments, also known as leaflets, from the midrib of an entire coconut leaf. The leaflets are then tethered in a bunch with a piece of twine. Dwellings and sacred buildings, such as a bai, are cleaned using these handheld brooms.

On View

Not on view

Collections