Noken multifunctional knotted or woven bag, handcraft of… (Indonesia)
Nomination: Urgent Safeguarding List 2012
EN: The day-to-day function of large size noken is for carrying plantation produce, catch from the sea or lake, wood, babies, small animals, shopping, etc., and for hanging at home to store things
EN: Small size noken is for carrying personal effects such as betel nut, food, books, etc.. Noken may be used to cover the head or body. Noken is an accessory to traditional dress, and is used in traditional ceremonies.
EN: The forms, patterns, local motifs and colours of noken made by each ethnic I Copyright 2011 by The forms, patterns, local motifs and colours of noken made by each ethnic community in Papua differ, indicating cultural diversity. Noken is a part of the cultural identity of each ethnic community and of the people of Papua.
EN: Noken is generally made by women, "The Mamas of Papua", Women play a special role in safeguarding noken culture. Numbers of noken craftspersons are very few and decreasing in most places..(photo from Wamena)
EN: People in Papua, especially young people, have begun to prefer to use bags imported from outside Papua, rather than noken, In markets eg. Oyeye market in Nabire, almost all of the merchants were only selling modern imported bags.
EN: In Biak Island, we found no more than 10 ladies most of whom were already elderly, in two groups, still making noken. People feel that by making and wearing noken, they are carrying on the tradition of their forefathers.
EN: Noken from Paniai District have special decoration made from yellow, brown and black fibres obtained from orchid stems. Making noken requires great manual skill, care, and artistic sense. Craftspersons often make noken while singing traditional songs. Craftspersons are becoming rare.
EN: Maybrat community craftspersons colour the fibres with natural colours. The fibres, leaves or grass are woven in various attractive patterns with symbolic meanings. Local government in Wayer, South Sorong, has tried to help craftspersons, but their numbers still remain few.
EN: Representatives of noken communities, culture experts, provincial and district/municipal officials, religious and community leaders attended the 1st Verfication Seminar (15 Februari 2011) at Yasmin Hotel Yasmin, Jayapura City, Papua and have given their imput for correction of the nomination file
EN: 2nd Verification Seminar (22nd February 2011) at Mariat Hotel, Sorong City, West Papua. Noken community members signed a statement giving them free, prior and informed consent to the nomination file, and declaring mutual respect and cooperation for safeguarding noken culture.
