Displayed "kehi" (uncooked yam tuber clusters)

Yam is eaten during the dry season (September-March), which is considered to be the season of scarcity (isol), when people rely on various crops such as banana, taro and fermented breadfruit, in comparison to the breadfruit season or the season of plenty (rahk). For several months of the year, the bulk of agricultural labor is devoted to culltivation of the yam. Thus, a yam is a material symbol of men's diligence (pwerisek). Knowledge of yam cultivation is highly regarded in Pohnpei and is surrounded by great secrecy. Men don't reveal the number of yam they plant. In old days, competitive feasts of yams were held between rivaling individuals or communities to contest their manhood.