Diamond Bag 1468

Each Bilum is handwoven and takes around eight weeks to make. The weavers’ beautiful natural fibres are created from surrounding vegetation, such as the Pandanus plant and Tulip tree. These fibres are beaten, rolled on the knee and then twisted into fine yarns. Alternatively, the women work with yarns which have been upcycled, a lengthy process which involves unraveling knitted jumpers and spindling the thread to form fine new lengths.

We adore the weavers’ clever colourplay, which is always so joyous and surprising – natural dyes made from plants, ochres and berries are used to enhance their patterns. It’s a very considered approach, a testament to the women’s exceptional artisanal skills and their philosophy to work holistically using natural or recycled materials.