Sepik River Bilum
Sepik River Bilum
Crafted in the Sepik River region of Papua New Guinea, this bilum is handwoven from entirely natural fibres. Renowned for its rich artistic heritage, the Sepik region is home to skilled women artisans who create bilums using techniques that remain an important part of community life.
The fibres are stripped, softened, and hand-twisted into thread before being formed using a traditional looping technique, where loops are pulled through previous loops from the strap downward. Patterns naturally emerge through the arrangement of the loops, resulting in a flexible, durable, and unique weave. The fibres are often coloured using natural dyes derived from plants, roots, fruits, and other materials gathered from the surrounding environment, creating the earthy tones characteristic of traditional natural fibre bilums.
Every bilum is unique, with variations in colour, texture, and pattern. These natural differences give each piece its individual character and ensure that no two bilums are exactly alike.
- Region: Sepik River Province
- Material: Natural Fibre
- Measurements: Width: 61cm, Height: 36cm, Strap Length: 69cm
We work directly with makers and are committed to fair payment for their craftsmanship. Every purchase supports the women behind the weave and the families and communities they care for.
Due to the handmade nature of the bilums, you may notice small joins or knots in the weave. These are a natural part of the traditional handcrafting process and reflect the individuality of each piece.
10% of profits from each bilum support:
- FemiliPNG – assisting women and children affected by domestic violence
- PNG Angels – providing children and young adults with access to life-saving surgeries
Each bilum is handmade, so no two are exactly the same. The item you receive will be unique.