Dame Carol launches book

COMMUNITY Development Minister Dame Carol Kidu describes the book Twisting Knowledge and Emotions: Modern bilums of Papua New Guinea as a truly Papua New Guinean production.
“It was researched, written and produced in PNG,” she said when launching the book at the Parliament House yesterday.
Diplomats, University of Papua New Guinea (UPNG) staff, women from Morata and other guests witnessed the book launch.
The catalogue on bilums is a major attempt to understand and advertise an important element of contemporary PNG culture.
The publication is the result of a long-term research financed by UPNG and the Alliance Francaise de Port Moresby and printed, thanks to a generous grant from the Christensen Fund from the United States.
Work on the book which began in June 2004 dealt with bilums, a production mastered by women in PNG.
UPNG dean for the school of humanities and social sciences Prof Betty Lovai said the book was one way of recognising women and the development of bilums.
Dame Carol said: “Bilum is a piece of utility and art.
“This book aims to provide a better understanding on string bags, considered as a key element in the national identity which can help locals restore their confidence and advertise their cultural achievements here and abroad.
“The publication is considered a bridge between academic research and the wider socio-cultural preoccupations highlighting the importance of women skills in the country,” she said.