Bilum Sepik - orange stripes

Bek & Meri brings the traditional and iconic string bag 'bilum' from Papua New Guinea to the international marketplace.

Deeply woven into all aspects of social and cultural identity in PNG, each bilum is unique and symbolic, telling real life stories of people, communities, places and events. Traditionally used to transport goods and babies, they are extremely strong, durable and expansive.

Bilums are handcrafted from woven yarn, by a method know as knotless netting or looping, an ancient craft that has been passed down from generation to generation over centuries. This is a time consuming process. From sourcing and collecting plants, beating, drying, twisting, dying and weaving, a single bilum can take 4-8 weeks to make.

Made primarly by women, the money generated from the sale of these bilums goes directly to the artisan and her family, helping pay for everyday essentials such as food, running water, housing, healthcare and education for her children.

When buying a bilum, you are buying something unique, preserving tradition, supporting weeks of labour and supporting livelihoods. You will be buying a handmade work of art and making a difference in the life of the maker, her family and community.

ALL OF OUR BILUMS COME WITH A CARD DETAILING THE MAKER AND PROVENANCE.