Despite a slow start due to early morning rain, the Pinktober Sepik Bilum and Basket Show officially kicked off today at the Sir Michael Thomas Somare Stadium in Wewak, welcoming three days of vibrant culture, artistry, and community celebration.
Held under the theme “I Am My Cultural Identity,” the festival brings together more than 30 groups of master weavers, performers, and small-scale artisans from across East Sepik Province, from the remote tributaries of the Sepik River to the towns of Angoram, Wosera Gawi, Karawari, and Maprik.
Now in its second year, the Bilum & Basket Festival is more than a showcase of handmade crafts, it is a grassroots movement, driven by women and for women, to promote economic empowerment through cultural heritage.
Chairlady and Event Coordinator Ms. Rachel Anawe Maru, said that the intent behind this show is simple, it is about giving exposure to all women and their work.
“This is how we preserve our cultural identity while empowering our mothers and sisters economically.”
The idea for the festival was born during a women’s networking event hosted by WEWEC (Women’s Economic Empowerment Centre), where Ms. Maru observed firsthand the incredible demand for traditionally woven bilums and baskets.
“One woman made K6,000 in a single day. Another made K3,500. I knew then we had to do more.”
“So, I spoke with Lina Singu, one of our key designers and co-founder of the show, who travels across East Sepik, especially along the Sepik River, to collect and sell these pieces on behalf of our women.”
“We agreed, it was time to have a show.”
The inaugural event in 2024 was a one-day affair and a resounding success. This year, the festival has grown in size and significance.
“The National Cultural Commission has now officially registered the event.”
“It is recognized as a tourism product by the Tourism Promotion Authority, and this year we’re partnering with Air Niugini and local businesses to offer a full tour package."
Moreover, this year’s event also aligns with the Pinktober breast cancer awareness campaign, highlighting women's health alongside cultural preservation.
Festival-goers can explore stalls filled with intricately woven bilums and baskets, witness cultural singsings, and hear stories behind each design, many of which carry deep symbolism tied to Sepik land, ancestry, and language.
“Each bilum and basket tells a story. We must also protect these designs from being copied and sold cheaply elsewhere.”
“That is why we have invited the Intellectual Property Office and the Investment Promotion Authority to help us educate our women on design protection.”
Meanwhile, many participants travelled for days to be part of the show. Over 30 women's groups are represented, with the majority hailing from Angoram and Wosera Gawi.
Some travelled by boat along the Sepik River to reach Wewak, a testament to their commitment and resilience.
“It’s not just a festival; it is a story of community mobilization.”
“We are grateful to the member for Angoram for supporting the participation of the women and to all who’ve recognized the importance of this gathering.”
The East Sepik Provincial Administration, including the Division of Community Development and Division of Commerce, are also supporting the initiative as part of their ongoing commitment to women’s development.
Festival Highlights:
• October 13 (Monday): Opening ceremony, weaving exhibitions, cultural performances
• October 14 (Tuesday): Display of bilums and baskets, storytelling, food stalls.
• October 15 (Wednesday): Bilum & Basket Dress Runway — a fashion competition showcasing wearable bilum and basket designs. Awards will be presented for Bilum Dress Queen and Basket Dress Queen.
Key Sponsors Include:
• Tourism Promotion Authority – major sponsor of the exhibition
• Vodafone – sponsor of the Bilum & Basket Dress Runway
• TISA, PNG Ports, Papindo, Jade Island, Westpac Bank, Hardware Haus, Ela Motors, and various members of the Chinese business community, including Golden Sun and Leon Hardware
Maru also noted that not all sponsorships are monetary as many helped in kind, and with that, she expressed how grateful they were for the support.
“It is not about how much is given, but the outcome we are working toward together.”
With growing support and national attention, the Bilum & Basket Festival is poised to become a cornerstone event in Papua New Guinea’s cultural calendar.
“Every year, we aim to expand, going out to all wards, Local Lovel Governments (LLGs), and districts.”
“This is just the beginning. Through this festival, our women are not just selling crafts, they are making a statement; We are our cultural identity.”
Furthermore, as the sun sets over Wewak, the voices of Sepik women expressed through vibrant threads, bold designs, and ancestral patterns echo a message of pride, resilience, and unity.
