Photo: D. Lepsoe
 

Claytus Yambon is Village Councillor and a master carver from Korogo in Papua New Guinea’s Middle Sepik region. He is of the Iatmul tribe. Uri, his grandfather’s brother, taught him to carve. Claytus has travelled much of the Sepik River, and has an extensive knowledge of the various styles and forms of Sepik art. As one of Korogo’s preeminent carvers, he was chosen by his community to create one of the house posts for their haus tambaran (spirit house). With his wife Esther, Claytus established one of the first village-based guesthouses on the river.

Claytus represented Papua New Guinea at an international carvers’ exchange in Victoria, Canada, in 1986. He plays a key role in the organization of Alcheringa Gallery’s Sepik River expeditions, and with
Esther has for many years provided a welcoming home base for regional exploration.

Since 1986, he has regularly participated in exhibitions at Alcheringa Gallery.