Bilums are not boring - Read on!--Story by Matt

Matt- Could you pick a more boring subject? Now wait. What may seem like a non-subject is really quite interesting. When I first came to PNG, I noticed that there were bilums literally everywhere, but they really didn't catch my eye. I kinda thought that bilums were only to sell to tourists.  Bilums, however, are a way of life. So much time is spent making them and giving them as gifts. They may look like purses, but they are not just for girls.  No joke, guys wear them with pride!

Every Papua New Guinean knows that a bilum is special. They can tell by looking at it where it was made. They can be very specific in how they are made and used: design, material, size, for work, or for special occasions. Wearing a bilum really says: "I've been there, done that, I got the bilum." Being given a bilum likely means that you are loved.

Local bilums for sale at our market.

This bilum was made for me by a friend and given to me at a school opening.  Can you believe that I found a house to match?!

"Bilas" are decorations or pieces of flair.

Um.....I don't know that boy. Small bilums are worn on the chest to keep valuables close. You ain't gonna steal my money or my beetle nut.

Bilums for babies. So cute!
(Photo: vacationsandtravelmag.com)

Babies are frequently seen in bilums hanging from tree branches or carried on their mother's back. (Photo: Vanishing Cultures Photography)

I think women may be the hardest-working in PNG. It can be an everyday thing to see women carrying heavy bilums on their backs, for long distances, filled with vegetables and even loaded up with firewood. The bilums are tightly stretched across their foreheads.

Say what?

A special, natural-fiber bilum given to Laura.

A "nambis" coastal bilum. These are made from nylon rope and are waterproof, so really handy at times.

A cloth one that carries lots of vegetables or a baby, if we had one.

These are only about half of the bilums in our house.  We feel blessed. Thank you ladies!