Yams -Kitava (Trobriand Islands)

Yams are an important subsistence foodstuff in PNG and this was evident in Kitava, which is part of the Trobriand Islands.  There is much cultural aspects attached to this plant including dances, harvest festival and competition to grow the largest specimens.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trobriand_Islands


Here are 2 photos -one of a yam house -  this was a separate storage hut
that was behind each  dwelling, in the village we visited on Kitava. As it was the end of the season the yams evident are for replanting.  The other photo shows a typical residence in this village-  basically only traditional building materials are still used.  The yam hut is visible in the background - only just got it in!  I was also intrigued  with the ramp/step up to the house.