Bilum: One of the most beautiful and meaningful crafts of Papua New Guinea
Bilum (said "BEE lum")is the Tok Pisin word for “bag” but it’s not just any old bag. Bilums are unique to Papua New Guinea (see photo above of some of the bilums I've been given). Nowhere else in the world do they craft bags in this particular way. It's a mark of both cultural identity and pride for Papua New Guinea (PNG). And rightly so, they are some of the most gorgeous craftsmanship and designs I've seen in my travels. Bilums are very significant in PNG culture. Not only do they use bilums for everything from a purse to carrying produce from the garden, but they also give them as a wedding gifts, use them to hold babies while they sleep, and carry massive loads with them. When someone gives you a bilum it is a sign that they want to build relationship with you and they are even used a a way to propose to someone when you want to marry them. Not only are bilums important as a craft, but it also show...