My Handheld Fan Collection.

Pleasant greetings dear friends from around here. Trust you're doing well.

Tick tick, August is almost over and thank goodness I finally got the chance to be part of this month's contest featuring handheld fans, initiatiated by @mipiano.

Handheld fans aren't a sight in everyday life here in my region. They're not something you see people carrying around here, unlike in places like India, China, or Hong Kong, and other regions, where hand fans are commonly used.

However, handheld fans often play a significant role in our cultural and traditional events. During chieftaincy installations, traditional weddings, hand fans are prominently featured. Specifically, traditional hand fans are an integral part of chieftaincy installations, symbolizing the chief's status and heritage.

In traditional weddings, most brides including their "asoebis" now incorporate handheld fans as part of their outfit, often handmade bespoke designs, with either feathers, furs or accessories that match their attire, creating a uniform look.

Not only that, handheld fans have become a popular souvenir at weddings and other events. They come in various designs, materials, and styles, such as the fanciful Chinese traditional hand fans, or the rubber type, which was a trend here years ago.

I have a few collection of handheld fans that I've acquired from different places, each with its unique story.

This particular handheld fan is a souvenir I received at a colleague's wedding ceremony some six years ago. The design on both sides features an intricate language that I don't quite understand.

On one side shows a stunning beach scene with a fisherman standing with his fishing rod.

On a closer look, you'd see the QR code at the edge of the fan, and it's on both sides too.

Despite not knowing the meaning behind the language, the hand fan holds sentimental value as a keepsake from the special day. I usually carry it to special events too, especially when I'm dressed in traditional attire. 😂

At a time, the one end of the fan's bamboo handle broke off from the joint, making it difficult to flip open and close. I had to diy and used a wire to hold it together, so I can continue using it. 😅

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Here's another one made from rice bag material, which I purchased during a visit to a prison two years back. The inmates had crafted these hand fans, and I was impressed by their creativity.

Not only is this handheld fan beautiful, it's also handy, making it a practical accessory that I often carry with me on causal outings during hot days.

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The last one, a rubber handheld fan that I also received as a souvenir years ago. This hand fan features design of plastic chairs and table, which are the are also the products of the manufacturer, Thermolineo, a plastic manufacturing company here in my country. This one serves me at home. 😂

These handheld fans have become more than just functional items for me; they're also reminders of the places I've been to and the people I've met. Each one has its own story, and I appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity that goes into making them.

Thank you for reading.

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Author's Photos

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