Bilum and Noken: String bags and sorcery in New Guinea
Bilum and Noken: String bags and sorcery in New Guinea

Summary/Abstract: The string bag, known as a bilum in Papua New Guinea and a noken in Indonesian New Guinea, is a versatile and culturally significant object. Historically used for a variety of purposes, from carrying harvests and children to serving as a symbol in religious and sorcery practices, the string bag plays a multifaceted role in the daily and spiritual life of New Guinea. This study examines the significance of these bags in New Guinea's religious and sorcery practices, the materials and methods of their production, and their wider social implications and functions. Divided into two parts, the research first examines bags used specifically for sorcery purposes, followed by an exploration of their distribution, detailing types, materials and production techniques. The overall aim of this research is to provide a comprehensive overview of this ethnographic subject, with particular emphasis on the aspect of sorcery. With the advent of modernisation and globalisation, the string bag has evolved, yet it remains a powerful emblem of New Guinea's rich cultural tapestry.

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