bilum bilong beki
My cousin Ross lives in Papua New Guinea, working for a conservation NGO. He’s an interesting guy: he really needs his own blog. For various reasons, including his own safety, he’s probably not likely to get himself one. But we love hearing his stories whenever he comes home.
One Christmas he gave all the females of the family these rather nice handcrafted string tote bags, or bilums in Pidgin. I need to ask Ross what they are made of – but they are made using all local materials and and dyes.
Becky ended up not only using hers a lot, but really admiring the art and craft of them. She asked him if she could get some more. So Ross emailed back a photo of several for sale through some PNG National friends of his. By coincidence the three Becky chose turned out to be one from each of the three wives of the local head man.
The other object between them on the far wall is something else, a baby carrier that Ross sent over when Rosa was born.
So now they are displayed on our wall. I imagine their makers must think us pretty strange for spending good money on these things and then not using them…
Justin
17 August 2005, 02:29 #
I was in PNG some years back and watched a local making bilums.
The string was hand made by rubbing together fibres from a local plant (flax?) then twisted into a dual helix.
The knotting of the bag was like crochet, sometimes with varying colours.
I still have one for going to the beach. You can stuff amazing amounts of items into one, and avoid carrying back sand by giving it a good shake.
Also handy for ski boots!
Alan
17 August 2005, 16:26 #
They are indeed very useful. And being crocheted / knitted, they seem to expand as required.
There’s another good photo on Flickr here which would seem to show that they are often a lot more colourful than the ones we have. I’ve seen this before with handcrafts – the locals prefer colourful artificial fibres and dyes; westerners looking for the “authentic” go for the natural look, much to the bemusement of the locals.
Martha
20 August 2005, 08:48 #
I’ve had “Bilum bilong beki” running through my head for 2 days now. Nice clever title, but too damn catchy. I’m going a little bit MAD with it.
Alan
20 August 2005, 13:03 #
I’d not thought of it before, but now that you mention it there is a song and dance number in that phrase somewhere…
Martha
21 August 2005, 13:47 #
More like an annoying Smurf chant “bilum bilong beki bilum bilong beki bilum bilong beki”
danielle griffiths
15 November 2005, 03:16 #
I am interested in buying Bilum bags, where can I buy them on the web, as I live in England UK?
Alan
15 November 2005, 07:26 #
I don’t know – I’ve seen one place that sells them online, but I can’t remember the address. Just keep searching for “bilum”.
Tinah
26 September 2006, 11:09 #
Hi Danielle,
I have some wonderful bilums for sale, if you are still interested then I would love to sell them to you. Please reply ASAP and let me know.
Cheers Tinah
Alan
26 September 2006, 19:16 #
Tinah: unfortunately Danielle didn’t leave a valid email address, so I can’t alert her to your note. Hopefully she drops by some time…
tinah
28 September 2006, 12:33 #
Thanks anyways Allan, I’ll keep my fingers crossed, and if anyone else wants to buy some bilums then please feel free to contact me.
Cheers Tinah
Lila Das Gupta
16 May 2007, 01:22 #
Dear All,
I am trying to source a place from where Bilum bags may be purchased in the UK. Do you have any information about this? These bags were brought to my attention by a reader on the Daily Telegraph’s website.
Kind Regards, Lila Das Gupta
SEE BLOG:
http://blogs.telegraph.co.uk/ukcorrespondents/recycleoflife/april07/ethicalbags.htm
Alan
16 May 2007, 06:43 #
Lila:
I’m told that sometimes they are available from Trade Aid shops (I can’t remember if you have those in the UK).
But separately I’ll forward you Tinah’s email address.
Rick Brittain
7 June 2007, 23:22 #
G’day youse,
I work in PNG at a place called Porgera, in Enga Province, in Papua New Guinea.
My roster is a 16 days on/12 days off routine, and I usually bring back a few bilums each trip home, for the rellies and friends here in OZ.
Last year me and the missus went back to England for a holiday, and we’re doing the same again in January 2008 for a month or so.
It’s no problem for me to bring a few original PNG bilums over with us (they don’t take up much room in a suitcase, and if anyone wants one, they can have it gratis…you’d just have to collect it from wherever we happen to be, is all.
I’ll be staying in London 2nd to 10th January, then onto to northern parts (Durham/Newcastle etc) for a few weeks, but if you want one, and can collect it during that time, it’s yours.
Depending on how many responses I get, determines how many I bring over this trip..but (no pun intended), no strings attached, I’m happy to spread the culture, and bilums, around if you like.
My e-mail addy is : “ricnolmad@optusnet.com.au
...if you want one.
Cheers,
Rick Brittain
Cairns, Qld, OZ
Kela
1 September 2007, 04:14 #
Check this site www.maienduo.com to purchase your bilum on line.
Rick Brittain
12 September 2007, 11:38 #
As I mentioned previously, I am prepared to give some away…They cost me nothing, and I’ve already sent 3 to a lovely lady in NSW for herself, her Mum and her sister. I have no idea why people insist on paying (as much as $US50, or the equivalent of PGK150.00) for bilums, when they can get them for free if they would like some.
No biggie for me, and I’m only too happy to send them out to wherever, if you guys really want them.
Cheers,
Rick Brittain,
Cairns, Qld
Alan
12 September 2007, 11:42 #
Thanks Rick!
Readers will note Rick’s email address displayed in comment #13.
rmb
12 September 2007, 13:02 #
Hi all,
I am the “lovely lady in NSW” Rick referred to in his post above…and I just wanted to let you all know that the lovely Rick in Cairns/PNG did in fact send me three bilims and wouldn’t accept any payment for them – I am happy to say that people like this DO still exist in the world :-) I found his details on this very blog, when I was searching for a bilim for my mum as they are so hard to find…
It brings a smile to my face whenever I tell anyone where the bag came from…and people comment on it all the time…I gave the other two to my sister and Mum…
Thanks again Rick! You are definitely doing your bit to spread the culture around…
Bridgette
24 October 2007, 19:00 #
Hi all
I am selling PNG bilums on behalf of family and community members espically mothers back home in PNG who are trying to help themselves in selling their hand make bilums to raise money for their children’s school fees for 2008. Prices ranges in sizes. If you are looking for something for xmas or just happy to promote culture and or help others, I will be happy to hear from you. Thanks Allan for putting this request out onto the network.
bridgette
Rick
31 October 2007, 18:23 #
Hello Bridgette,
I saw your posting there, and am happy to buy some from you if I can.
It’s obviously a worthy cause, as I know how difficult it can be to raise school fees here, and rather than just buy them from locals here in the Highlands, I would be glad to get some from you.
I will then pass them on (give them away as presents) to wantoks and others that will give them a good home…both in Australia, and other parts of the world.
I’m currently in Porgera, (at work email on rbrittain@barrick.com) and would need to get them from you somehow.
Can you contact me, and see what we can sort out..?
Many thanks, and I hope I can hear from you soon.
oh, and yes…Thanks to Alan, for allowing us to use this forum to help out where we can.
Cheers,
Rick Brittain
Alan
31 October 2007, 20:50 #
If anyone wants Bridgette’s email address, just use the contact form on my “About” page (see link in the navigation to the top of this page) to email me.
Christine Shaw
1 November 2007, 19:43 #
Hi All,
I was the lucky recipient of 2 great bilums courtesy of Rick Brittain. He is a very genuine person, true to his word and he sent me the bilums as a gift with no costs to me. Many thanks Rick and all the best,
Cheers,
Christine
Mari Hardy
28 December 2007, 06:38 #
Wow, I just got my First Bilum as a Present from a Prayer Partner in PNG. It is so pretty! The Talent that these are made with are amazing! The stretch in these are amazing! I am so Thankful! The colors are so bright and Pretty! This has been the best Christmas Present ever!
Robert
28 March 2008, 18:18 #
I am from Papua New Guinea and I can Help you.
Different bilums from all cultures.
Tamara
8 May 2008, 01:31 #
Rick Brittain sent me the three most beautiful bilum bags EVER! I simply emailed him and told him how excited I was about bilums, and asked if he would kindly send bags to me and my two anthropology student friends, and voila! I received them today! They are not only spectacular, but Rick was SO VERY kind during the process of writing back and forth.
My friend Teresa, owner of one of the bilums sends an extra thank you too.
Cheers Rick, you are a wonderful guy for being so generous and kind!
~By the way, they are exactly the colors each of us favor!
Charles
9 May 2008, 13:07 #
Following on to Tamara’s message I also want to extend A BIG THANKS TO Rick Brittain!
Many years ago when I was living in PNG I bought some bilum bags which have finally become too tattered to be used. After some googling I found this website and the message from Rick Brittain and his offer to provide them FOC. Well I have to tell you, he did exactly as he promised, and apart from sending me a bilum (gratis, including mail), he also provided detailed instructions on how to fix the handle according to how you want to use it. As I said to Rick, it is rare nowadays for people to do anything for nothing, but he really seems to be a very special person and ready to promote some of the PNG culture all over the world and refusing any monetary reward for it.
Thanks mate, you are a ripper bloke!
Rick Brittain
13 October 2008, 18:33 #
Hello again Alan,
As a follow up to all of the emails above, I was in contact with some ladies (one from Alice Springs, and one from Canada or Alaska) that also asked me for some bilums a few months back. Unfortunately, I had exhausted my supply of bilums at home, and I was endeavouring to source some more for them, up here at work in PNG. I managed to get hold of a few nice ones for them, but in the meantime, my PC at home contracted a rather nasty virus from some kind soul, and I lost all of my past email and addressees, as well as all of my pics from up here and my travels around the world basically. Delightful stuff, but anyway…if those ladies happen to read this, could you please re-send me your details, so that I can get these bilums out to you as soon as I can please…? I made a promise and I don’t want them thinking I’m now welching on the deal.
Cheers mate, and thanks for letting me do this here.
Rick Brittain
Cairns, Qld OZ.
margareth
27 November 2008, 17:48 #
Hi all
I am a Papua New Guinean and I’m selling Papua New Guinea Bilums and their prices depends on the sizes. If you wish to see the pictures of available bilum styles and their price list,please email me so I can send them to you as attachment.They are available in all sizes,styles, colours and patterns.And the prices are reasonable.
cheers.
Margareth
Macy
24 December 2008, 15:48 #
I also have beautiful bilums for sale.
Email me for more information on macywills@yahoo.com
Denise Maitland-Armstrong
30 December 2008, 20:29 #
I need a replacement bilium. I use to work at a boarding school with many PNG students. As a parting gift I was given a beautiful bilium. My daughter immediately fell in love with it and uses it every day. Two weeks ago our dog decided to chew a hole in it. She is 18 soon and I would love to replace it for her. Where can I buy one in Brisbane.
Denise
Alan
30 December 2008, 21:24 #
I should probably say that if anyone needs the email addresses of the bilum providers who have not left their email addresses in public view (Margareth, Robert, and Brigette) contact me via the contact form on my About page.
Meanwhile, Rick is The Man. Thanks Rick!
Rick Brittain
31 December 2008, 16:18 #
You’re a good man Alan…thanks for the mention.
Denise,
If you want to email me, I can get some details on the specifics with the of bilum you are hunting, (fibre or wool, coloured or plain, long or short handle etc.) and get one off to you. I’ve restocked my shed at home (I’m currently at work in PNG), and can get one out when I’m on my next break.
I’ve mentioned my email addy above a few times, so just send me a few lines, describing what type you’re after, and I’ll get one in the post for you…no charge involved…just make sure you keep it away from any inquisitive and/or ravenous dogs.
Cheers,
Rick,
Cairns
Joyful Judy
23 January 2009, 07:21 #
Alan, I write to express much gratitude for some bilums I received from Rick Brittain. I wrote to him on January 5th telling him about the World Day of Prayer service I was organizing at my church. This year our focus will be on the PNG as these women wrote the service and will receive our prayers when we come together to pray for women and children around the world on March 6, 2009. I received 2 adult and a child’s bilum today in the mail, Jan. 22nd! Rick mailed them the weekend of Jan. 10th, 11th. Amazing travel time indeed! I know God made sure they got here in plenty of time for us to use in our worship. Praises to the LORD! And thank you again Rick for this ministry that helps others be more aware of our sisters in Christ around the world, especially this year, those in Papua, New Guinea.
Porulam
23 January 2009, 13:52 #
Hi everyone,
I have bilums available, if you’re interested, email me and i’ll send images of what’s on offer. You give the price, if it’s reasonable, it’s yours!
liz
7 February 2009, 23:17 #
A beautiful and brightly coloured bilum arrived in the post this week, all the way from Rick in Australia so that we could display it for our Women’s World Day of Prayer in March. I searched high and low on the net to buy one without success and came across this site by accident and contacted Nick in hope. I was a bit sceptical – you know – something for nothing, how often does that happen in todays wordl! I know I shouldn’t be like that in my job, but I live in the real world. Anyway, Rick sent me this bilum, with a bank note tucked inside too, that he picked up working in PNG. It has restored my faith in human nature! It was such a kind and generous thing to do and I will tell the story of ‘How the bilum came from PNG to Rattlesden’ at our service! It’s given me the perfect opening for the sermon – the PNG people use these bags to carry everything everywhere – just as we must carry Christ everywhere we go – to everyone. Thanks Rick from Rev Liz.
Wendy
9 February 2009, 19:53 #
Hi everyone
I have nice pretty local Papua New Guinean bilums for sale. If you are interested send an email to me on: wanep0@cooltoad.com . Prices range from US$20-US$100.00 depending on style and size.
Email me soon if you need one
Wendy
Rick Brittain
25 February 2009, 15:25 #
Hello again Alan, Just thought I’d see if anyone is interested in having a look at this PNG website/Blog “Garamut” which currently has a whole bunch of people up in arms (rightly so, to a point) with regards to a Company in France who have registered the name “Bilum”.
http://garamut.wordpress.com/2009/02/09/french-firm-poaches-and-patents-pngs-bilum/
I met the lady who runs the business last year while I was over in France, and gave her some authentic PNG bilums, (French flag on one side, and PNG flag on the other) which she was sincerely appreciative of. The only negative aspect of her bags, is that they cost in excess of 65 Euro for the basic model, but’s it’s for a worthy cause, ultimately.
Our PNG brothers & sisters are fairly indignant about the whole thing, and had they known there is a global market for their bilums, they may just have made some money out of it. As it is, I try to do my bit by buying as many as my finances will allow, but am happy to let your readers buy them direct from any of the posters on here that are selling the genuine articles.
Thanks for your help with this, and hopefully the publicity generated by the Garamut site might encourage people to start buying (the genuine) bilums from the people of PNG direct. All the readers have to do is to ask (on the site) where they can buy bilums from, if they don’t want to take Wendy & Porulam et al. up on their offers, above, and I feel sure they will be swamped with people wanting to sell bilums to them. This should bring the entrepreneurs out of the woodwork.
Cheers and thanks, once again, mate.
Alan
25 February 2009, 22:49 #
Thanks Rick!
As before, I can send readers the names and email addresses of the commenters on this posting who are selling bilums – just message me via the contact form on my about page.
Tavurvur
26 February 2009, 14:45 #
Hi Alan,
Rick has pointed both of us in the other’s direction! Thanks Rick.
Thanks for getting in touch with me too – I replied to you comment on my own site but I thought I’d post it up here just in case:
The bilum has become synonymous with PNG – it’s a national cultural piece which is instantly recognised anywhere around the world. It’s a national emblem – it represents the people and the country of PNG.
There is one site I would like to recommend to you that offers PNG bilums and other PNG artefacts at a price which I find extremely fair to the international buyer.
The firm is called Arts of Papua New Guinea, and you can find their website here: http://www.artspng.com/
Regards,
Tavurvur
Alan
26 February 2009, 17:55 #
Tavurvur: that’s a great site! And it’s a full-on online shop with lots of other interesting stuff as well. Very nice.
Also, I found this PNG site: http://www.rcf.org.pg/shop.htm. It also sells bilums.
Rick Brittain
10 July 2009, 00:10 #
G’Day Alan,
Once again..sorry to do this to you.
It’s been a while, and demand has dropped off for supply here after that last series of despatches. I’ve now got a swag of Bilums at home here if anyone wants one..? Again, these haven’t cost me anything, so if any of you guys out there want the genuine article, I’ve got a few dozen spare here to send out, free of charge. I don’t want to upset Tavurvur or any of our compatriots in PNG, but feel free to drop me a line if you guys want a genuine bilum or two. The missus will be only too happy to be free up the garage space.
Cheers,
Rick, Cairns, OZ.
(ricnolmad@optusnet.com.au)
Thanks again, Al. You’re a champ, mate.
Tim B
3 October 2009, 10:55 #
I would be interested to know how bilums are actually made. Is it essentially a knitting process? Or something closer to net making – but I think not, the way that the bilums stretch.
Tim
Bridgette
3 December 2009, 18:10 #
Hi Alan, Its’ bridgette again to let any interested people know that I still have bilums for sale. Timely xmas gifts! Any takers, please email me and I will send you more details regarding price and pictures. Price vary with sizes.
Thanks Alan
Sarah Schmid
22 December 2009, 05:49 #
I’m interested in 1 or 2 (depending on the price), size: to carry a baby in it and colorful if possible. :-)
If there is something like this for sale, please contact me!
Thanks, Sarah
Harry Ningisere
12 May 2010, 12:45 #
In about a months time I will launch a website dedicated to selling only bilums.It will be based in Port Moresby ,papua new Guinea
My bilums are made of bark of trees,cotton and strings.Colours and patterns are varied which make them standout.
My prices range from as low as $40 to as high as $140 depending on sizes.
Thank you
H.Ningisere
Rick Brittain
21 May 2010, 02:15 #
Hello there H.Ningisere, (no first name..?)
Due to this being a delightful New Zealand based website, could you possibly clarify as to whether the prices you nominated there might be in real money ($AUD) or the other pretend ($NZ) variety. If in $NZ, then I may be interested in buying some myself…that way they’d still be cheaper than I would be paying in Mt.Hagen currently.
Cheers mate,
Rick Brittain
Cairns and Porgera
Rick Brittain
21 May 2010, 02:57 #
Ooops…naim bilong yu Harry, sori tumas Harry.
Sapos yu wanim haumas wanpela bilum ‘na yu kisim wanpela bilum ‘lo mi.
Lukim, na 10q tru
Rick
E.P.
Alan
21 May 2010, 08:37 #
Rick:
I’ll send you Harry’s email shortly.
Rick Brittain
25 May 2010, 00:00 #
Thanks Alan mate,
I’ve copied you in on the message sent. Hopefully we will get a response soon.
The gov.pg email addy aspect is always a worry.
I’ve got a damn-huge baby bilum here (especially made for Sarah, (22nd December 2009) in Sweden, as above), but I had to send her an off-the-rack job as my supplier was not up to the demand speed…(I asked him 8 months ago to organize it, and he’s only just come good).
We digress…I have a huge baby bilum here for anyone that wants it. So…anyone out there with a huge baby…?
Cheers,
Rick
Cairns, OZ and Enga Province, PNG
John Levita
14 July 2010, 01:23 #
PNG has got a lot of Bilums.
Sent us a request on this email and we’ll post it to you.
Rengo
17 July 2010, 10:52 #
Hello I am selling few bilums. If you are interested,email me and let me so i can send you the pictures, and you can choose which type and color you prefer
Jayne Wilde
19 August 2010, 09:06 #
Hi, I would like to find a bilum, a friend who had been living in papua new guinea gave me one some years ago and it was then passed on to another friend, I would like another to show my daughters……..
Emma
7 September 2010, 18:52 #
Hi Alan,
I am looking into buying and selling bilums, especially the ones to hold babies.
Are you able to help me or put me onto someone that can help?
Cheers
Em
Joe Kale
15 September 2010, 23:23 #
Hi,
All my family members are all bilum specialist.
My 2 daughters have 15 bilums each, my wife has about 10 bilums my elder son has about 12 bilums, there are heaps of bilums in my house. We don’t know who to sell the bilums to, whoever is interested to do any bilum business contact me on my above email address.
cheers
Cherri
25 October 2010, 18:32 #
Sorry new to this blog thing but would love to buy a colourful bilum, so how do I contact you (Joe Kale)..thanks
Alan
26 October 2010, 20:58 #
Cherri:
I’ve sent you an email with Joe (and others’) contact details.
Jonathan
5 November 2010, 11:41 #
Hey,
Am from PNG and am very grateful to people like Rick who are helping the locals. I come from a small place called Baiyer River in the Highlands of PNG and Girls there can make bilums that are really eye catching. You can even send in your sketches/designs and they will make it for you. I have some samples from my Sister and Aunts. Let me know if anyone out there wants one. A small fee for the ladies and postal handling.
Faye
20 November 2010, 15:43 #
I would like to buy some bilim bags from New Guinea. can you help me with an address.
Dawn
13 December 2010, 05:08 #
Hi rick, alan or anyone else who may read this. I had the pleasure of spending a few days in png last year when I was taking a gap year to do charity work in Oz. I made the mistake of not purchasing any bilums when I was there!! Boo hoo. So was wondering Rick if you still have any? Or anyone else who might be selling them? Many thanks, dawn
Alan
14 December 2010, 19:54 #
Thanks Jonathan (and the many earlier commenters) – I’ve forwarded your email address(es) to Faye and Dawn.
Emma
17 January 2011, 02:18 #
Hi Allan I too would love to buy a bilim may I have jonnathan email too… Thanks
Justin
25 February 2011, 01:06 #
Hi all,
I have 36 bilums on sale at the moment.Price range from AUD 30-60 ( excluding shipping and handling).These were made out of the bast fibers from the wild tulip tree from mothers in my area in Maprik/Wosera Gawi Distict of East Sepik Province here in Papua New Guinea. The fashion is twined by soaking the bark for many months until the fiber breaks down. When dried, they roll the residue into twines by rolling with their hands against their thighs. The twines are then ued to make bilums.
I am currently based in Port Moresby and would soon be moving down to Adelaide in around April.If interested in the bilums from my area you can contact me on justin.sani@imdexlimited.com/justin_sani@yahoo.com.au
so prior arrangements can be made.
Cheers,
Justin
Chrissy Wii
25 February 2011, 16:44 #
The Mt Hagen Handicraft Group www.hagenhandicrafts.com is an all woman self help intiative in the Highlands of PNG.
If you are looking to buy wholesale then we are probably the most experienced supplier of bulk bilums in PNG.
We have experience of shipping very large orders internationally, are well established, operate on Fair Trade principles (80% of the wholesale price of each bilum goes to the women who weave the bilums), have clear audit trails and strong governance.
In short we are a professional, reliable, trustworthy and experienced international supplier of quality bilums.
We are looking to expand our network of international distributors so if you are looking to grow or start a bilum importing business please get in touch via our website.
Rick Brittain
11 March 2011, 00:20 #
Excellent response there Chrissy, and it’s great to see someone from PNG actually taking the initiative here.
I’ve had no interaction/response from the “sisters” in Porgera/Enga (I think the air may be too thin up that way) and happy to help you guys along if you need a hand with any of this.
Good luck with it all, let me know how you’re coping/if you need a hand, na lukim yu.
Cheers,
Rick
Cairns and Enga
ricnolmad@optusnet.com.au
Maria
7 April 2011, 00:57 #
Hi, I’m currently looking for a bilum (the ones to wear babies in, I don’t know if they’re all the same?) – if anyone has one to sell, please contact me asap!
mkborda@gmail.com
Dawnn
22 April 2011, 01:50 #
I bought my bilum from http//maienduo.com
Cath
23 January 2012, 01:09 #
Hi its Cath I am interested in purchsing bilims and Bilum dress . I am will to set up a long term connection with suppliers , please let me know if there are suppliers willing to supply
regards
cath
sarah
3 February 2012, 00:41 #
hello
im keen to get hold of some bilums are you out there still rick?
i am also keen to find a long term supplier…please email me at ishafairtrade@gmail.com
thanks