Singu’s magic hands making art and craft a living

Fashionable art and craft has been the main product of small to medium-sized enterprises (SME) set up by local women in their communities.
To some women, designing and creating headpieces, necklaces, jewelries and craft is not a skill and knowledge put into practice by men only.
For Lynna Singu, from Angoram in East Sepik, art and craft has been the main source of income for more than 40 years.
She can design and create pieces using shells, feathers and traditionally made ropes.
Her love for art and the skills she has were passed down from her mother.
“My mother has been good at this. I have not gone to any art school,” she said.
“I can make anything using my hands, from bilums to baskets, jewelries, carvings and paintings.
Singu said she can create shell money and necklaces made with shell money, and they can cost up to K5000 each.
“The number of shells I use in my necklace piece will determine the price.”