Print Bilums

Bilums are traditional woven string bags made by women in Papua New Guinea (PNG) that have cultural and social significance1. Bilums can be customized with the names of people and the color themes of countries, organizations and sports clubs for special occasions. Here are some examples of how bilums can be personalized for different events:

Birthdays: Bilums can be a great gift for someone’s birthday, especially if they have a connection to PNG or appreciate its culture. Bilums can be woven with the person’s name and the colors of their favorite country or team. For example, a bilum for a soccer fan could have their name in white and the colors of Brazil (green, yellow and blue) or Germany (black, red and yellow) on the bag.

Weddings: Bilums can also be used as wedding favors or decorations, as they symbolize the womb and fertility. Bilums can be customized with the names of the bride and groom and the colors of their respective countries or cultures. For example, a bilum for a couple from Australia and PNG could have their names in black and the colors of Australia (green and gold) and PNG (red, black and yellow) on the bag.

Graduations: Bilums can be a way to celebrate someone’s academic achievement and honor their heritage. Bilums can be customized with the name of the graduate and the colors of their school or university. For example, a bilum for a student who graduated from Harvard University could have their name in crimson and the colors of Harvard (crimson and white) on the bag.

Customizing bilums with names and colors is a way to make them more personal and meaningful for special occasions. Bilums are not only functional bags, but also artistic expressions of identity and culture. By choosing the right names and colors, bilums can convey a message of love, respect and appreciation to the recipients.