Traditional carvers from a small atoll in Federated States of Micronesia say they're honoured to have been selected to create the trophies for their state's annual sports tournament.
A group of traditional carvers from a small atoll in Federated States of Micronesia say they're honoured to have been selected to create the trophies for their state's annual sports tournament.
The Yap games attracts about 900 athletes from across the state, who compete in a dozen sports.
Larry Reigetal is one of the carvers from Lamotrek Atoll, he says the distinctive trophies are modelled on the Micronesian outrigger canoes and take about four days to make using traditional methods.
“We're using only hand tools, carving with our hand tools - a traditional axe. And then for the finishing we have to give to one of these guys who really know how to do the finishing touches on it and complete it.”
Reigetal says making the trophies has also provided young people on Lamotrek an opportunity to learn about traditional carving.