Village – Bilums (post by Bill & Liz)

Bilums are traditional woven bags that are used by everyone – men and women. Traditionally they used natural fibres, but it is easier to use man made materials such as wool or plastic string, so now many bilums are made of these. Bilums are made in various sizes, from very small to very large and are used for many purposes from carrying your market goods, to carrying babies.

Julie had previously learnt how to make a bilum, and here she is with one that she was asked to help with when we visited.


Here is Liz watching progress on the same bilum as in the above picture. This bilum was given to Liz when we left the village.


In another village, we were presented with these bilums by Yaya Paul and his wife, who placed them around our necks.

Haus meri (post by Bill & Liz)

Julie has a haus meri who comes to the house once a week to do some cleaning. Most missionaries in Ukarumpa have a haus meri because it gives some employment to the local people who have little cash.

Julie’s haus meri is called Nekina and she is a very nice lady. She made a bilum for Liz and is now working on one for Julie. She tried to show Liz how to make a bilum, but Liz thought it looked hard.

Here are all of us with Nekina: