Natural Bilum 918

GIVES BACK  |  ETHICAL  |  ARTISAN  |  NATURAL  |  SUSTAINABLE

This one-of-a-kind Natural Bilum 918 by Among Equals was lovingly woven in Goroka in the Eastern Highlands of Papua New Guinea. 

Woven using natural fibres and dyes
Medium size body and long strap
The patterns are inspired by the surrounding environment, lineage and life of the artisan.

Product Info

Embellishments:
Hand made pom and tassel in grey
Made with wool 

Dimensions:
55cm wide
40cm high
83cm strap

Weaver Details:
Hand made in Goroka in the Eastern Highlands. This Bilum was lovingly woven by Elsa Kavin.

About The Brand

Among Equals was founded by textile designer, Caroline Sherman, in 2015 after she fell in love with the craft of Bilum bags, which were on display at an annual Pacific Trade and Invests show in Sydney. That exhibition, entitled 'Marketi Ples' showcased the beauty of the Pacific region's traditional weavings, and it was here that Caroline first met Florence Jaukae and Ruth Choulai, two amazing souls, each with incredible knowledge of the craft's cultural significance; it was the beginning of a wonderful friendship.

In 2015, Caroline made her first trip to Papua New Guinea to immerse in the weavers' world and view their annual Bilum Festival held in Goroka. During her travels, she met women from different regions and the idea for the Among Equals endeavour was cemented. Today, the brand works with communities across Papua New Guinea, including the Goroka, Mount Hagen, Telefomin and Madang regions, and is proud to count more than 600 weavers in its fold.

Through its trade of Bilum, Among Equals is dedicated to improving the communities wellbeing, including funding and construction the Blue Haus, a safe shelter for the weavers to come together, learn and weave.

Shipping + Returns

SHIPPING
Ships from:  Australia
Ships:  Worldwide
Australian Shipping:  Nash + Banks charges a Flat Rate of $10 per Order Australia-wide. Free Australian Shipping is available for orders over $150.
Standard International Shipping: $25 to the rest of the world.

Standard Delivery Time Frames:  
5-14 business days within Australia,
10-15+ business days to the rest of the world.

Values

ARTISAN

Among Equals empowers women by working with them to create a sustainable income, that is both regular and consistent. Women weavers are empowered as key decision makers to choose their own working hours, place of work and set the price of their bilum. They also go direct to the weavers’ homes to purchase bilum which enables them to spend more time with their family and community rather than selling at the market. The women and their families choose how they spend the income made from their bilum sales, unlike charities who guide how communities spend donated money.

ETHICAL

Among Equals do not bargain or negotiate prices, in fact they offer them a premium price which is higher than what they would receive in the market, resulting in greater financial freedom and decision making for the women and their families. They make sure this premium pricing remains consistent amongst women and communities, as does their purchasing, as to not create disparity or inequality.

GIVES BACK

Among Equals is a not-for-profit (see definition below) whose aim is to trade with communities to help engage a wider market for their product. They run via a profit-for-purpose model.

NATURAL + SUSTAINABLE

Woven using natural fibres and dyes.

Care

Due to the natural fibres used, exposure to water and harsh sunlight may cause damage.
To clean bag, hang in direct sunlight for a couple of hours.