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The Ethnic Art Institute of Micronesia , on the Island of Yap (Federated State of Micronesia), established in 1994, is dedicated to the revitalization of the traditional cultures of Micronesia by the restoration and recreation of their indigenous arts, and customs.
Micronesia, with Polynesia and Melanesia, is one of the great island cultures of the Western Pacific, consisting of more than 2500 islands grouped in four archipelagos: the Marshall's, the Gilberts, the Caroline's, and the Marianna's Islands. The topographic differences between the Islands directly influence the cultural traditions and arts. Yap, in the Western Caroline's, is the most traditional sector of Micronesia, and is ideally located as centrum for the Institute.
The arts of Micronesia are the least known and cultivated of the Oceanic cultures. The Micronesian aesthetic manifests a distinctive character. Geometric and abstract designs, painted with natural mineral pigments, decorate the objects related to their island environment of sea voyaging and island dwelling. Sea birds, fish, canoes, masks and weavings predominate in the material culture of Micronesia arts.
The Ethnic Art Institute of Micronesia recreates the traditions of the Caroline's. On site a pebay or men's meeting house, a cookhouse and a men's carving hut have been faithfully constructed. Elders and Yapese youth are engaged as craftsmen in the programs and activities to establish an active guild of artisans.
Original objects are recreated from archives found in ethnological museums throughout the world, and from editions of the illustrated corpus Ergebuisse der Sudsee Expedition of 1908-1910. These arts and crafts, reproduced with painstaking accuracy, recall the lost art of the islands and their vital cultural heritage. The objects are created only in traditional modes and with indigenous materials.
The Institute has begun to amass a collection of original and faithfully reproduced objects. Extensive research is conducted to record their original purpose, and our growing library and archive supports research of Micronesian traditions. Relationships are being established with museums and art centers of the Pacific to study and document this culture.
Traditional Dance
Come and experience one of Yap's most celebrated arts; a traditional Yapese dance. This is a must-see during your visit to Yap. You will witness an ancient tradition that has been performed in the same manner since its inception. The 4 distinct types of Yapese dances are: Bamboo, Marching, Sitting and Men's standing dances. Each type has several story-telling dance routines that burst with color, expression and strength. Immerse yourself in perhaps the most exotic and beautiful display of Yapese culture.
Cost: $50.00 per person (majority of this fee goes directly to the village)
Where: In a Yapese Village/TRR Ethnic Art Village; Kadai or Nimar
When: 5pm Sundays; some other times/dates may be available.
Duration: 1 1/2 hours
Includes: Viewing traditional dancers as they weave stories through body movements and chants with unique photo opportunities available. Often accompanying the dance entourage is a sampling of local food, basket weaving, coconut fiber spinning demonstrations and Nuwnuw making. Also includes transportation when the dance is performed in another village.
