Renik Normeng

The BILUM is more than just a Bag in Papua New Guinea. A Bilum is a traditional hand woven string bag worn mainly by women in Papua New Guinea. They came in different colors and styles.  Renik Normeng is from PNG and is making her Bilums right here in Perth WA.

They are beautiful, traditional, intricately- woven bags made by women throughout Papua New Guinea. The bilum technique of twisting and looping string in a rhythmical movement has been passed down through the generations.

The process could almost be described as stitching but in Papua New Guinea it is known as BILUM. They are used as shopping bags, babies are placed inside the Bilums and swung, garden food are carried in them, etc

In urban areas, the bilum is hand woven from wool or twine purchased from shops.

Bilums are very popular for everyday use in Papua New Guinea. Bilums are mostly made of wool and feature brightly coloured designs and patterns.

The Bilum is not just a bag, it’s a story.