bek + MERI bilum from Papua New Guinea are deeply woven string bags handcrafted from woven yarn, a knotless netting or looping. Made primarily by women in the eastern highlands province, the process starts from sourcing and collecting plants, neating, drying and weaving, a single bilum can take 4-8 hours. Each bilum is named after the artisan herself.

Lepame measures 49cm x 33cm (approx.) and made from bush rope which is extremely strong, durable and expansive.

When buying a bilum via Mary & Me and bek+ Meri, you’re buying something unique, preserving a tradition, supporting weeks of labour and supporting livelihoods Xx