in the trobriand islands, the yam is both an important food plant and an important part of the culture. every village has a "yam house" with a giant fourfoot yam hanging from the ceiling. it represents wealth and well-being for the village, life and strength for the people. villagers take great pride in their gardens, especially their yam plants. the yam harvest is one of the high points of the year and also the focus for many traditions. for example, the harvest is always carried out by women. when they are bringing the yams in from the garden all together, no man is supposed to meet them. any man they meet will be chased, attacked, and treated as a fool.