We are very proud to release our new weaving collection all the way from Papua, and we want to tell you its story. From Sima, Masipawa, Hariti, to Teluk Umar, we have learned so much about what weaving tradition means to the people in Papua. Noken Papua, a multifunctional handwoven basket, is a precious woven gem that needs to be preserved, not only for the purpose of maintaining national heritage but also for the betterment of the weavers’ livelihoods.
The very special thing about Noken is, only the natives of Papua that are allowed to weave one. The philosophical message attached to this craft is also very substantial, as it represents the good life, peace, fertility, and womanhood. Made from the bark of a local wild plant called Waru Tree, Noken are strong and beautiful in its natural form and its natural color.
Being aware of the prominence of Noken, we leverage this traditional beauty by designing different addition and embellishment for each basket produced by each specific villages. For instance, in our Noken Masipawa, we added two slim and long handles made of bamboo to elevate both its functionality and aesthetic value. Around the lid, the untrimmed edges of the excess tree barks create a raw texture of natural fringes. While in our Noken Teluk from Teluk Umar Village, the characteristic lies on its one steady handle and unique form.
Traditionally, Noken is used to carry various goods, from vegetables, crops, to firewood. Sometimes, the people of Papua even use it to carry around their children. While today, this basket can be used to store your essentials, as well as to decorate the interior of your home.
By introducing and developing Noken all the way from Papua to domestic and global market, we hope that people around the world would give the recognition and appreciation warranted towards the craftsmanship, the women artisans, and most importantly, the meaning behind this remarkable product.