Among Equals

Natural and Upcycled Fiber Bilum Bags

Representing Papua New Guinea at IFAM for the first time, AMONG EQUALS showcases the exceptional skills of its weavers using natural fibers sourced from local flora or upcycled from the yarns of sweaters. In Papua New Guinean the term “bilum” means “string” bag. Bilum fibers are sourced from plants such as sisal and pandanus, carefully beaten, twisted, and woven. Each bag undergoes a meticulous process, taking around six weeks to create, with the weavers employing clever color play through natural dyes made from plants, ochres, and berries. Every bilum bag from AMONG EQUALS is a labor of love, handwoven by artisan weavers in Papua New Guinea.

The motifs in these artworks are not merely designs, they hold deep cultural significance. Passed down from mother to daughter for thousands of years, bilum is a symbolic and integral part of Papua New Guinea’s cultural heritage. The spider web design, for instance, tells a story of patience and passing down knowledge, with the spider serving as a metaphor for weaving skills. The diamond design symbolizes abundance and prosperity, often given to newlyweds as a wish for wealth in their married life. Many of the women working with AMONG EQUALS experience life without regular access to electricity or running water. Their craft provides them an their families with a path to a sustainable income.