Women Weavers of Milne Bay
Thursday 4 June, 2020
The artistic talents of the women of Milne Bay will be showcased in the coming weeks, when Alotau hosts the Women Weavers of Milne Bay on June 10 and 11.
Held annually, the event draws women from all over the province, offering a unique insight into arts, crafts, and culture.
Here’s a brief snapshot of what’s in store in 2020, and why this gathering is more than just an event.
An annual event
In Papua New Guinea, women have long been the custodians of creative traditions that date back centuries.
From woven bilum bags to herbal remedies and jewellery, their artisan skills have been passed down from one generation to the next.
In Milne Bay Province an annual event showcases these skills while bringing women together to share and promote their products.
Now in its fifth year, the Women Weavers of Milne Bay event is designed to inspire and empower, and draws people from all over the province.
“Many of these women traditionally are used to sitting in the background, not being heard, not being seen,” Alotau’s provincial assembly female representative, Angela Nelson, explained in 2018.
“This is a time when we want to bring them to the forefront.”
Image via Women Weavers of Milne Bay Inc
Not just an event
In addition to highlighting skills, the two-day annual event is also the opportunity to promote the sale and international export of locally made products.
The aim is to foster ownership and visibility within local communities while forging partnerships with tourism and industry bodies that can help market products overseas.
Image via Women Weavers of Milne Bay Inc
What’s on offer
Weaving might be in the title of the event, but the skills on offer extend far beyond that to encompass herbal remedies and jewellery, including the making of the region’s famous traditional necklace – ‘bagi’.
Bilum bags, mats and fashion is also on show, with the event featuring fashion parades and singing.
Papua New Guinea Travel explains a highlight of the event is the fashion show where the most inspiring fashion outfits woven from local fibres and materials grace the local catwalk.
This year’s Women Weavers of Milne Bay event will take place over two days from June 10 to 11 and will be held at the Wanigili Centre, Alotau, Milne Bay, Papua New Guinea.
About Paga Hill Estate
Paga Hill Estate is a world-class, master-planned estate in the heart of Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea. The waterfront site is the first comprehensively planned multi-use development in Papua New Guinea to be enjoyed by both residents and visitors alike.
The all-inclusive development will include vibrant public spaces and waterfront promenade, luxury hotels, residential apartments, restaurants, retail, commercial space, a Trade, Exhibition & Cultural Centre, restoration of WWII relics, marina precinct and a nearby international cruise liner terminal.
