Local craftsmen need proper market to sell items

By KELVIN JOE
LOCAL arts and craft designers can earn more than K2,000 a week if they have a proper market to sell their items, according to wood carver Charles Natige.
Natige, during the arts and crafts market in Port Moresby on Saturday, said: “Some of us earn between K300 and K500, or even more for one day sales here during the first Saturday of the month.
“There is a good demand for our locally design art and craft product but there is no proper place to sell them.”
Natige said he had built a good home in Port Moresby, sent his three children to school and met family obligations from his income.
“I have no formal education qualification but I learn how to design and curve the wood from my father,” the man from West New Britain said.
“I am able to pay my children’s school fees so that they can be educated. Sometimes I earn K2,000 or more from my carvings when customer demand is high.
“But we need the Government to provide a good market for us.
“We have been contributing to the development of tourism industry in the country over the years.”
Customer George Karukura said tourists and expatriates wanted to buy such items from a safe place.