So much culture, so much pride

CRAFT production and vending is a cultural pride, which creates a sense of belonging to Mother Nature, says a craft vendor.
John D’Siguria was speaking at at the craft market at the Holiday Inn, in Port Moresby. He said craft and art were deeply rooted in the culture of the people of this country.
D’Siguria is origginally from Trobriand Islands in Milne Bay. He is a Trobriand handicrafts buyer through his company Dodom Investment Limited and he has been doing that since 2014. He resells the handicrafts in Port Moresby to mostly tourists and businesspeople.
“Crafts and art really are a product of culture packed into one,” D’Siguria said.
“We come from various societies and ethnic groups in PNG, and each of us has differing cultures that we value so much in life spanning from the existence of our ancestors.”
D’Siguria said some societies in PNG are losing their art and craft skills.
“Mixing of cultures resulting from intermarriages is an issue so as people permanently migrate to towns and cities they do not keeping trace of their cultures,” he said.
“You have to be proud of your cultural heritage and preserve it for generations to come.
“That is the passion behind me in preserving and promoting my Trobriand culture, although I am doing it as a business, but the generation of income out of it has continued to encourage carvers in the islands to sculpt our culturally valued items such as totems and designs.”
Dodom Investment Limited also sells handicrafts to overseas buyers on requests.
The company provides traditional totem poles, black ebony hand-carved figures, wooden bowls and stools, handwoven mats, placemats, fans, baskets, Trobriand lime pots, jewelry and grass skirts.
It also provide client services in export clearance, fumigation and stock hire.
D’Siguria said he sells his items at reasonable prices which are always negotiable.
The craft market in Port Moresby goes to different venues.