Pounded Yam Productions

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Pounded Yam Productions

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Pounded Yam Productions is an African-inspired stationery and illustration company created and run by Enobong Tommelleo.
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Check out my website for notebooks, bookmarks, stickers and more! Pounded Yam Productions is an African-inspired stationery and illustration business created and run by me, Enobong Tommelleo. Check out my website for more information and some inspiration.

10/29/2026

It may be in with the new but it’s never out with the old. Before we launch our new pins in the coming weeks, I thought it fitting to pay homage to the original three.

The okra and the scotch bonnet pins were born as a nod of appreciation for my mother and to show the love I have for the “ethnic” foods and ingredients I felt so ashamed of eating as a child even though I loved them because nobody else around me was eating food like this. As an adult, Nigerian food is still my favorite food and I love finding out that this food I was ashamed of was not only delicious but nourishing for my body.

And, of course, the fan favorite and bestselling Black Lit Pin is a staple that will always be here to stay.

To be the first to hear when the new collection launches, make sure you’re subscribe to our newsletter! - link in bio

10/27/2026

We have 3 new pins and one variation on an old favorite that were ordered in the summer and I’ve been holding my breath praying they all arrive in time for Christmas.

They’re all fun, they all pay respect to the culture and our roots and (we pray) they’ll all be flying off the shelves.

But there’s one especially that’s been a long time coming, I just kept having decision paralysis when it came to its design. But I did it and I think it came out perfectly.

If you want first access and to be the first to know when they launch, sign up to the newsletter (linked in bio) or comment “first access” for a direct link in your inbox ☺️

10/26/2026

If you’re looking to read more books by African authors next year, might I suggest HABILA by Wayétu Moore.

It’s a modern telling of the story of Mami Wata - the West African sea goddess. Habila forms a connection with a young Liberian girl called Melanctha who has difficult adapting to the backwater town in Texas her family immigrate to. Habila offers Melanctha friendship and the power to make her tormentors disappear but that power comes at a price.

This is a story of magical realism that examines the way in which people’s misconceptions and perceptions of us can eventually define us. It also strongly opposes ideas of individualism and shows how one person’s actions can affect the lives of so many.

Look out for this one publishing in January of next year.

10/20/2026

Okra connoisseurs! We listened and you can now get your favorite food-themed keychain in gold! And of course, it comes with a bag charm attachments.

I’m here for the silver sisters and we still have the silver option, but make room for gold because she’s here and she’s happy to take up space.

Which one is your favorite?

10/15/2026

Connecting with and discovering other business owners on a similar mission has been one of the great joys of selling wholesale. The other day I got an order for my food pins and keychains and wondered who it could have come from. Well, none other than Josmine Evans who are remembering and preserving the food traditions of the African diaspora.

Food has such close ties with our identity. I should know, I live in Chicago and once tried to put ketchup on a hotdog in public. But maybe hotdogs, pizzas, and burgers aren’t the foods of your childhood. Maybe those aren’t the foods that smell like grandmas house. They certainly aren’t for me or my children.

The okra and scotch bonnet are small but mighty staples in African cuisine that our ancestors took with them into the diaspora and they remain staples today.

Add these staples to your collection by clicking on the link in bio.

10/12/2026

Octavia W Butler changed the game for me when it comes to sci-fi. Before I read her work, I would tell people that I love all genres, except sci-fi.

Survivor has been out of print for 47 years. It was withdrawn at Butler’s request who called it “really offensive garbage.” 😬

While I don’t agree with her opinion, I can see her point of view. It is a big change from her usual style and is the only novel in the series set on a different planet. But after reading it, I see how it influenced her future work, especially her Xenogenesis (or Lilith’s Brood) series.

And as a collector, it really frustrated me that I didn’t have the complete series… until now.

What do you think? Are you glad Survivor is back in print or should the publishers have just left well enough alone?

10/06/2026

I accidentally created a little bit of a stir on my fifth installment of my African art by region series. The controversy wasn’t about the art I mentioned but about the innocuous sticker of Morocco featured on the title page.

You see, depending on who you are and where you live in the world, you might see a map of Morocco that includes Western Sahara and you might see one that doesn’t.

Which one is right?

Humans have been arguing about land and ownership of land since the begging of time. Right now, Russia is trying to “take back” Ukraine and the USA is stamping “America” on everything. So I know there are going to be some people who agree with my choices and some who don’t. But I thought it important to share the information I have that led me to create my designs the way I did. What you do with that is up to you.

But you can find all my African country stickers and notebooks at poundedyamproductions.com. Link in bio

10/02/2026

It has come to our attention that some of you were looking for ways to display our keychains on your bags and so we just wanted to tell you to search no more. It is now easier than ever to show off your favorite PYP keychains on your favorite bag with our new charm attachments.

Every PYP keychain purchased on our website will now be sold with a free charm attachment. We can’t wait to see all your beautiful charms/keychains on display!

09/26/2026

For the next 24 hours, buy a Pounded Yam Productions notebook or notebook set and get a FREE sticker of your choice.

Simply add the sticker to your cart and the price will be deducted automatically at checkout.

Now’s perfect time to tap into your creativity. But remember, this offer is only valid for the next 24 Hours.

What’s your dream combo?

09/25/2026

It time for part 5 of a Very Brief Overview of African Art by Region.

This is a very brief overview desired to spark curiosity and hopefully lead you on your own discovery of African Art.

Today’s installment celebrates some of the contributions from North Africa which include, but are not limited to:
- The ancient rock art of Algeria and Libya
- The Amazigh geometric designs
- Arabic calligraphy
- Artists such as Baya Mahieddine, Ahmed Cherkaoui, and Nadia Ayari

Address

Chicago, IL

Website

http://www.poundedyamproductions.com/

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