Replacing your plastic bags with this delightful bilum is an easy solution to helping our planet. Help both the environment and women living in isolated communities by purchasing a bilum.
Woven and used by women in PNG, bilums are the traditional carry bag with multiple uses.
Traditionally used in cultural rituals or tribal exchange, bilums were also used as a carry bag for food, goods and even babies.
More recent uses also include use as a shoulder bag and fashion item or to replace plastic bags.
The firm weave allows these bags a great deal of flexibility and stretch. Use it as an alternative grocery bag or as a shoulder bag or handbag.
This bag has been handwoven and is a one off piece. No two of our bilums are the same, as each is made totally by hand in PNG using traditional methods.
We sell these on at no cost, as a way to support creative women living and working in isolated communities.
You can be absolutely sure these are authentic bags too, by the knots and bits of wool or even the odd variation in a knot or weave. These are not mass produced in a factory, but by women who hand weave in the traditional way.
A Fashion Statement Shoulder Bag That Packs A Punch
How about a fashion statement shoulder bag with a difference? This bilum or traditional string bag of Papua New Guinea can also double as a plastic bag replacement. With dark blue and sporting splashes of colour it’s even large and sturdy enough to carry a baby. In fact this larger sized bilum is designed to do just that!
You can easily store or fold away this delightfully versatile bag for use when you go grocery shopping.
Take it with you in the car, folded in a handbag or simply wear it as a fashion accessory when the mood takes you.
We love using them as shoulder bags because they’re soft, they streeeeeetch so far and they’re comfortable to wear.
What is a Bilum?
Made by women in PNG, the bilum is a traditional, hand woven bag which incorporates a range of different weaves and patterns.
Woven using a twisting or looping technique, bilums have a range of functions, both traditionally and currently.
With spiritual or symbolic significance, the intricate and unique patterns of a bilum also record events, stories or provenance.
Made from natural fibers such as sisal, hemp, or pandanus leaves, bilums have more recently been made from wool.
Designed and made to have multiple uses, these string bags, as a result, make themselves a must have item.
Used traditionally, the bilum can:
Carry food and / or goods by slinging the woven handle over the head
Act as a carry bag or hammock for babies. Carried, like vegetables and goods, the baby is slung and hung from the head for easy transportation or hung under a shady tree to catch the breeze.
Form part of cultural rituals
Function in tribal exchanges
Used currently, the bilum can:
Act as a shoulder bag due to its long, woven handle.
Replace the handbag as a fashion accessory
Carry groceries in place of a plastic bag. You can easily roll or fold your bilum and keep it in your handbag.
Would you like to know more about us or our bilums?
Fashion Statement Shoulder Bag
$125.00
Fashion Statement Shoulder Bag
A Plastic Bag Replacement In The Form Of A Bilum.
Replacing your plastic bags with this delightful bilum is an easy solution to helping our planet. Help both the environment and women living in isolated communities by purchasing a bilum.
Woven and used by women in PNG, bilums are the traditional carry bag with multiple uses.
Traditionally used in cultural rituals or tribal exchange, bilums were also used as a carry bag for food, goods and even babies.
More recent uses also include use as a shoulder bag and fashion item or to replace plastic bags.
The firm weave allows these bags a great deal of flexibility and stretch. Use it as an alternative grocery bag or as a shoulder bag or handbag.
This bag has been handwoven and is a one off piece. No two of our bilums are the same, as each is made totally by hand in PNG using traditional methods.
We sell these on at no cost, as a way to support creative women living and working in isolated communities.
You can be absolutely sure these are authentic bags too, by the knots and bits of wool or even the odd variation in a knot or weave. These are not mass produced in a factory, but by women who hand weave in the traditional way.
1 in stock
Details
A Fashion Statement Shoulder Bag That Packs A Punch
How about a fashion statement shoulder bag with a difference? This bilum or traditional string bag of Papua New Guinea can also double as a plastic bag replacement. With dark blue and sporting splashes of colour it’s even large and sturdy enough to carry a baby. In fact this larger sized bilum is designed to do just that!
You can easily store or fold away this delightfully versatile bag for use when you go grocery shopping.
Take it with you in the car, folded in a handbag or simply wear it as a fashion accessory when the mood takes you.
We love using them as shoulder bags because they’re soft, they streeeeeetch so far and they’re comfortable to wear.
What is a Bilum?
Made by women in PNG, the bilum is a traditional, hand woven bag which incorporates a range of different weaves and patterns.
Woven using a twisting or looping technique, bilums have a range of functions, both traditionally and currently.
With spiritual or symbolic significance, the intricate and unique patterns of a bilum also record events, stories or provenance.
Made from natural fibers such as sisal, hemp, or pandanus leaves, bilums have more recently been made from wool.
Designed and made to have multiple uses, these string bags, as a result, make themselves a must have item.
Used traditionally, the bilum can:
Used currently, the bilum can:
Would you like to know more about us or our bilums?
Drop us a line with your question.
Details of Bilum
Height: 47cm
Width: 81 cm
Strap length on one side: 46cmcm
Materials: Cotton
Care
Please spot wash and lay flat to dry.
Additional information
Related products
Reusable Grocery Bag Small Dark Brown Bilum
$20.00 Add to cartHand Woven Shoulder Bag Using Traditional Methods
$35.00 Add to cartEco Friendly Fashion Statement and Grocery Bag
$20.00 Add to cart