Bilums galore

Bilums galore … Delegates to the 27th synod of the Evangelical Lutheran church of Papua New Guinea were showered with bilums (string bags) as presents from the Geamsao women of the Jabem district, hosts of the
synod.The Jabem district women spent hundreds of hours weaving more than 1,000 bilums which they cheerfully gave away as presents to the visitors.
Hundreds of colourful bilums were handed out to the presidents of the 16 visiting districts for distribution to their delegates at the closing ceremony in Lae. Pictured is the president of the Goroka district, Rev Kowara Toa, in traditional Eastern Highlands regalia with the bilums for his delegation.