Women Wearing Net Bags (Bilum)
When I first saw these bags I automatically thought wow they
are beautiful, the rich colors and patterns on these bags in some ways are
still reflected in handbags today. Also, the symbolism of the bags (being
associated with beauty and status) also reminds me a lot of today, seeing as
brand names and the look of the bag can also show a person’s status as well.
The next thought that popped into my mind is wait, why are the bags being
carried by these women’s heads. Wouldn’t it make more sense for them to put
these bags over their shoulders as a kind of satchel? It just makes more sense
to me, all of the weight of what there carrying rather it be a child, food, or
the bones of the deceased husbands must be very painful to the necks and backs.
But seeing as how this isn’t my culture it would seem strange to me. I truly
wonder if the feel and look of these net bags have changed sense the
traditional items used to make these bags (bark of the ficus plant) have been
modified to be more modern?
I like them too! They're very colorful and decorative. They sort of remind me of bohemian styled bags/clothing as well. They have this very natural yet bursting with vibrancy look. I didn't really see the advantage of carrying them by one's head either, but it's true that this is a culture difference and because of how we've always seen bags and how they're carried here, it influences our judgement.
ReplyDeleteI love these bags but any woman would! I cannot speak as to the best way to carry them. As American women, we have only been taught one way to carry a handbag (in our hand). But in many other countries women use their heads to carry bags, firewood, even pots of water. Perhaps they have discovered something we have not. I know that it is likely that I would spill a lot since I don't think I would balance things well.
ReplyDeleteI think I would prefer natural fibers to synthetic ones. They always seem to feel better.