Noken

Noken

Noken - a multifunctional bag made with the technique of binding or weaving from a bucket or leaf by populations in the provinces of Papua and Papua New Guinea in Indonesia.

There are at least 250 ethnic groups in Papua and Western Papua. The techniques of making noken bags differ in different communities. The fiber is made from branches, stems, tree bark or bushes fired in fire, soaked in water and dried. From the wood fibers a string is obtained, which is then often colored. Twine is meshed with bags. The noken craft requires good manual dexterity, and the science takes several months. Nokines are used to carry agricultural crops, fish, wood for fuel, as well as infants and small animals. They are celebrated for traditional feasts, important family events and offered to others as a sign of peace. The noken handle is placed on the head - the forehead, the bag rests on the back and both hands are free.

In 2012, the handicraft of noken was inscribed on the list of intangible heritage requiring urgent protection of UNESCO.

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