By Vicky Baunke in Goroka, EHP
THE “Bilum Hauslain” and individual bilum weavers have taken top honors across several categories of the 17th Moni Plus Goroka Bilum Festival this year.
The event recognized the participants in an awards night at the New Channel Inn Hotel in Goroka last Sunday.
In the Acrylic Fibre category, Bilum Hauslain claimed the top two positions, with “Cold Sweater Inspired” taking first place, followed by Noble Sugarcane Design in second place while the Forgotten – Chuave Tattoo Design by Site Jack took third placing.
The Natural Fiber category” was won by Akoto Joppie with Tarobo Otu, while Bilum Hauslain’s Simbai Raunraun took second and Martha’s “Shield Design” placed third.
Bilum Hauslain also dominated the Vintage category, taking first place with KK Design, second with Hunters Design and third with 2 Needle Design.
In the Bilum Wear category, Bill Stock won first place with Miso Fiber followed by Mosa Seti with Blaine Design and Hella Bikukure with ‘New Diamond Design’.
The festival also recognized its Weavers of the Year, with Marie Mark named Commercial Winner, while Elisa Foke, Wago Segi and Joppie were recognized as Team Leaders.
The awards were presented by festival founder Florence Jaukae Kamel, following remarks from Head Judge Julie Soso and Manager for Cultural Services with the National Cultural Commission, Bola Noho.
The awards night was the culmination of a festival focused on protecting bilum as an important part of Papua New Guinea’s cultural heritage.
This year’s festival placed particular emphasis on traditional knowledge, traditional cultural expression, protecting original designs and ensuring weaving knowledge continues to be passed between generations.
The program also featured cultural presentations, including traditional Goroka bilas, a Mamboo Collection, a Shield Collection, an Asaro Mudman showcase and other bilum collections.
The festival’s partners and supporters included Moni Plus, which returned as naming-rights sponsor for the second year, Pacific Trade Invest Australia, the founding partner, the National Cultural Commission, J-K McCarthy Museum, Goroka Lodge, Brian Bell and New Channel Inn Hotel.
Bilum Festival Director Ms Florence Jaukae Kamel also acknowledged the support of the Friends of Bilum, including the Fresh Produce Development Authority, New Guinea Fruit Company and SP Brewery, as well as the traditional landowners of Goroka.
The festival’s program describes bilum as more than a handmade product, with traditional designs carrying stories, knowledge and cultural identity.
The closing awards night therefore celebrated not only the winning weavers, but the knowledge and creativity that continue to keep bilum culture alive.
As the 17th Moni Plus Goroka Bilum Festival came to an end, the awards provided recognition to the women and communities keeping the tradition woven into Papua New Guinea’s cultural future.
