PNG students studying in China showcase bilum as the country's national identity and cultural icon in Zhejiang Province, China

by PETER S. KINJAP

PAPUA New Guinea students studying in Zhejiang Province, Xiasha District of China at the Zhejiang Gongshang University will do a showcase of PNG Bilums with other cultural displays from various cultural origins of PNG. The event will take place on the May 4th at the University's International Cultural Day celebrations.
        More than 20 PNG students will be participating in this international cultural event with many other students from various countries throughout the world with their cultures and traditions.

PNG students representative Shyriell Wembri said this event is an important cultural event for PNG students to display the richness in cultural variety from their home country PNG. One of the main PNG cultural icons to be showcased is the popular tourist-loved PNG souvenir, the bilum. 
                  With its aesthetic value and uniqueness the bilum has already attracted residents in the Zhejiang Province. “It’s gonna be our cultural day so most bilums will be displayed with few of us wearing the bilum wear in PNG colours,” Wembri said.

She said PNG students will participate in traditional attires and dance the Tolai Dance, a display of PNG bilums (bilum bags, bilum wears and bilum hats) and other cultural items to the world so that they can see and know that there is a small island country called Papua New Guinea with its beautiful traditions and customs to feast their eyes.

A photo gallery on PNG bilum products being displayed and showcased at this event in China will be uploaded on this PNG Bilum blog. This blog is a volunteer initiative to promote PNG bilums for tourist attraction and stir literature on PNG bilums. Stay tune.

PNG student leader at Zhejiang Gongshang University Shyriell Wembri in her PNG flag colour bilum outfit with a bilum bag and a bilum hat in China. Image Courtesy of Shyriell Wembri / 2017.

A popular bilum pattern from the highlands of Papua New Guinea. Image: Bianca Barry / 2017.

A Kundu design bilum from Papua New Guinea, originated from the highlands. Image: BL Burgin Willie / 2017. 

A collection of PNG bilum variety from the highlands. Image: Samson Sala / 2017.

This is a bilum collection owned by Tasha, a young girl from the highlands of Papua New Guinea. Image: Tasha K Pep / 2017.

  

A collection of Wasara Bilums from East Sepik Province. Image: Jen Jen‎ on PNG Kona Market (Facebook Page), 2017. 

Young girls in traditional attire and with Sepik style bilums. Image: Nicole Morgan / 2017.

Spotted in this photograph is the Irish sensational singer and artist Ronan Keating's girlfriend Storm Uechtritz with her Sepik Bilum from Papua New Guinea. Image: www.dailymail.co.uk