Arts and crafts

From sophisticated, smart, ebony and kwila carvings and distinctive woven baskets, mats and beda bags (betel nut holders) to unique traditional bagi and mwali (shell money) the variety is endless.

This is a Province full of artisans who craft bowls, dolphins, drums, pigs, birds, figures, stools, walking sticks and turtle bowls - inlaid with mother-of-pearl or plain - the choice is yours.

Anthoropologists appreciate replicas of dance skirts, limepots, canoe prows, dance fans and betelnut chewing spatulas which are all readily available and a range of pottery from scattered villages and islands all decorated in traditional patterns and style unique to this area.

Bagi

Rossell Island

Many men and women from Milne Bay wear necklaces made from reddish pink shells, the famous 'bagi' or shell money which formed an integral part of the Kula Trade Circle. Historically traded from island to island for bartered goods and nurturing of goodwill, the bagi has become wearable currency throughout Milne Bay. Bagi is only made in two villages on Rossell Island which is a small reef lined island at the extreme eastern end of Milne Bay Province.

The shells used are the rare 'Chama Pacifica Imbricata' a relative of the oyster, which are found at depths of 3 to more than fifteen metres. The shells are white inside with a narrow rim of red which is the only part used. Pieces of this rim are broken off and ground flat by holding with a green stick and rubbing on a flat rock. A small hole is drilled in the center of each piece and they are threaded (28/cm) onto a stiff wire then ground until they are smooth (several days work). Once this stage is reached the beads are threaded onto a length of pandanus bush string and polished with coconut oil.

The bagi was traditionally traded with Tagula Island for clay cooking pots, black stone (obsidian) axe blades and carved wooden bowls. Obsidian sources are found on the Suau mainland, Woodlark, Normanby and Fergusson Islands.

For purchase or orders the following people can be contacted: Mr Saul David, P.O. SAMARAI ISLAND or Mr Pascal Rupert who lives at Velea Village on Kwanak Island, c/- Catholic Mission, Nimoa, P.O. TAGULA.