Bilum Bag
Papua New Guinea
Early 20th century
25.5 x 26 inches (65 x 66 cm)
Looping or "knotless netting" technique, natural fiber and dyes
The traditional fiber for bilum bags was the inner bark of the wild Tulip tree.
The designs were woven into the structure of the bag with some small areas of supplementary color probably added to the surface after the weaving was completed, imparting a painterly, watery effect.
From a California collection.