Ömie Bilum

Bag Number 2547


  • Ömie history tells of how, in the time of the ancestors, there was a woman walking through the forest who came upon a spider. She stood mesmerised, carefully watching the spider as it weaved its intricate web. When the woman returned to her mountain village she was inspired to weave the first bilum, just as the spider had woven its web.

    Ömie Bilum are a testament to the strength and endurance of the Ömie’s ancient, yet living, traditions. 

  • Small body and long strap length
  • Adornments sold separately. 
  • Not available for wholesale

26cm wide
26cm high
101cm strap

The Ömie, a small remote tribe of less than 2000 people, live on the steep, south-eastern slopes of Mount Lamington, Oro Province in Papua New Guinea. Surrounded by lush rainforest and abundant rivers the people are intimately in tune and inspired by the natural environment. Ömie tribeswomen use the rich and earthy palette of natural pigments and dyes found in river beds and surrounding flora.

Read more about The Weavers.

Each piece is completely unique and has been created using natural materials. Exposure to harsh sunlight and water may cause damage.

To clean bag; hang in direct sunlight for a couple of hours and then shake out. 

* Adornments sold separately

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