Traditional netbag "bilum" ·  Papua New Guinea - East Sepik Province, northern Maprik coastal area · ID: 3052337

Description

twisted plant fibre, worked in the technique of knotless interlacing, nassa snails,

“Bilum” are used by women, men and children alike. Women carry their “bilum” hanging on their back with the strap over their forehead. Men carry the net bag over their shoulder or on their belt. Babies are also carried in them or hung up like a hammock to sleep in.

Additional:
old breastplate, north coast of Papua New Guinea, Aitape region, rattan, boar tusks, Abrus precatorius seeds originally pressed into the resin, plant fibre cord

The object Traditional netbag “bilum” with the object ID 3052337 was last part of the auction Collectors’ Items Sale at September 24, 2025 on Zemanek-Münster Auction house and had the lot number 46.

Here you will find more objects and interesting facts about Oceanian art.

Comparing literature

Heermann, Ingrid & Ulrich Menter, Schmuck der Südsee, München 1990, p. 60, ill. 6 (breast plate)