Weavers trying to adapt to changing trends

Local bilum weavers say the demand varies according to the change in trend, which affects sales.
Judith Tumbu of Tama Artifacts said this when The National caught up with her at their stall at Pacifika Women Network in Port Moresby.
She said they had to sell out bilums to catch up on the next latest trend or were left out.
“For our case now, we have to reduce the price of the bilums because they are outdated,” Tumbu said.
She said they had to reduce prices of the bilums because they were also in competition with other weavers and sellers.
“If we don’t reduce the prices, the bilums will be still here,” Tumbu said.
“That will be our loss.
“The original prices of the bilums are set considering labour, time, freight cost, the wool women use to make bilums and also the rental fee.
“The profit is not good after doing that.”
She said they ordered bilums twice a month in bulk from Ialibu in Southern Highlands and sold them.
When asked about the imported factory-made bilums sold in foreign-owned shops, Tumbu said these foreign shop owners liaised with street vendors who sold them on the streets.
“When we see those street vendors, we chase them away because that is our business and they are taking it away from us,” she said.
“They are encouraging those foreign shop owners by selling the bilums on the streets.
“Our business is affected.”
Tumbu also said the Government had to consider all factors that made up a small-to-medium enterprise (SME) like rental fees and logistical support, and not just talk about it.
Tama Artifacts are housed at the Pacifika Women Network at Steamships Compound in Port Moresby.
It sells traditional home decorations made out of cane, cane laundry baskets, flower vases, placemats, bilums and baskets which are supplied from Ialibu.