Bilum
Production date
Pre 1967
Country
Papua New Guinea
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Object detail
Description
Loose woven bilum, with a block pattern created using natural fibres, and synthetic fibres of yellow, red, blue, pink, green and brown.
Classification
INDIGENOUS CULTURES Melanesian & South Sea Islander bag
Production date
Pre 1967
Production place
Measurements
Approximate measurements: L 435 x W 300 mm
History and use
Bilums form a part of everyday life in Papua New Guinea. They are used to carry newborn babies, and are symbolic representations of the mother’s womb. They are also used to carry goods and food supplies, and as body adornments during ceremonial occasions and dances.
Made from woven plant materials, bilums have taken on new aesthetic significance, representing more modern creative expression and changes in technique, through the introduction of artificial materials such as acrylic, plastic, nylon, synthetic strings and wool. The availability of different materials allows for a diverse range of colours and patterns to be used when creating bilums, allowing them to become both functional objects and objects of artistic significance.
This object was part of a larger donation made to the Museum of Tropical Queensland in 2012, on behalf of the estate of Len and Catherine Lawler.
Made from woven plant materials, bilums have taken on new aesthetic significance, representing more modern creative expression and changes in technique, through the introduction of artificial materials such as acrylic, plastic, nylon, synthetic strings and wool. The availability of different materials allows for a diverse range of colours and patterns to be used when creating bilums, allowing them to become both functional objects and objects of artistic significance.
This object was part of a larger donation made to the Museum of Tropical Queensland in 2012, on behalf of the estate of Len and Catherine Lawler.
Associated person
Registration number
E40870
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