Australian Museum
Audio Tour
Bilas: Living Culture
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Delve into this audio guide of Bilas: Living Culture and explore the beauty and diversity of body adornment and decoration from Papua New Guinea.
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1
Bilas: Living Culture
Body adornment is a form of expression. In Papua New Guinea it is known as bilas.
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2
Living landscape
Papua New Guinea's astonishing natural environment has provided abundant resources used to create bilas.
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3
Balance and beauty
The balance and beauty of nature comes to life when bodies are adorned.
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4
Distinct and diverse
Body adornment has emerged in many different forms with individual communities having their own approaches.
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5
Wearing wealth
Bilas is often worn as a sign of prestige, wealth and power or as a symbol of leadership.
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6
Celebrating culture
The Australian Museum’s Pacific Collection aims to maintain vital connections with communities across the Pacific.
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Enduring connections
Bilas worn in ceremonial life celebrates, enhances the connection between the living and Ancestors.
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8
Continuing culture
In contemporary bilas, natural materials are interlaced with bits of coloured plastic, beads, bells, zippers and synthetic fibres.
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