A very finely decorated Biriko, or women's dancing fan. Not only is the Biriko functional and used in ritual dances - it is also an important social symbol of femininity. Small Biriko are used mainly for dancing during feasting occasions. The fan type Biriko, made by only skilled women, is composed of four leaves of a young pandanus palm tree sewn together with string made from tree vines. There are traditional decorative patterns woven into the leaves such as the "sago seed" or the "grasshopper's legs" motifs. Another type of larger Biriko is made from the monumental leaves of a more mature palm. It is of double thickness with a slit left open to create a pocket in between. These are used as a versatile everyday item : sleeping mat for adults, a protective cover for young children, as a covering for wrapping and storing food during a journey and most specifically as an umbrella to protect from the rain or sun, The utility and beauty of the Biriko’s design make it a valuable trade item and, it is used as well, as a form of compensation payment. Bougainville Island, Northern Solomon Islands, Melanesia. Pandanus fronds and fiber. 86,5 cm. 19th century. Ex coll. : Julius Konietzko (1886/1952), Hamburg, Inv. with its original label : “SCHURZ (apron) – aus einem Art Flächerpalme. N°.1.a, (side A) ; SALOMONEN . Insel . SÜD . BOUGAINVILLE“ (side B). Ex coll.: Ingo Donath, Hamburg ; Loed & Mia Van Bussel, Amsterdam.

Ref. :
http://www.amonline.net.au/snapshots/yumiyet/fan.htm