According to the Kwoma people’s custom, women may not participate in painting or carving, the main art forms in their culture. They are active in the “handicrafts” of ceremonial attire and shell adornments, pottery and weaving. Women weave bilums (string bags) from natural hand rolled ‘bush rope’ or from brightly coloured wool yarn or nylon string bought in nearby markets. The woven patterns of bilums follow traditional designs linked to clan emblems as well as references to nature and modern patterns.

Working together with a group of village women called Mariwai Mima, led by Elsie Borungai, Jenny Manga, Glenda Kuarchinj, Gisela Numei, and Melinda Sakwai, the Mariwai Project developed the Women’s Tapestry Initiative. This initiative uses embroidered tapestry as a means for female artistic expression. By stitching wool and bush rope onto vinyl and wire mesh, Shiva Lynn Burgos and the group continue to create this series of “tapestries” that combine representational clan symbols (such as pig, crocodile, sun, and moon), daily life elements (like fish, birds, and home), bilum bag motifs (including mountain, water, and cross), contemporary designs and hidden messages to create a new art form in which women can participate fully.

There is little international attention towards contemporary Oceanic art, in particular that made by women and it is significantly rare to see works coming from remote cultures and artists who are not part of the western model of art education.

The transparent nature of the material allows for a unique choice of presentation models.  These can include multiple layering, dynamic sculptural installations and using lighting effects to create an addition shadow dimension.

Beyond their artistic merit, these tapestries represent a powerful form of resilience, self-expression and economic empowerment for the women who create them, contributing to the sustainability of this contemporary cultural tradition and supporting the livelihoods of these talented women.   

Works from the Women’s Tapestry Initiative have been exhibited in museums, private members clubs and art institutions. Sales proceeds directly benefit Mariwai Mima and Mariwai Village towards culture, health and education.

Installation views

1.  International Fine Arts Consortium, Athens Greece
2. Atria Members Club, Paris France
3. Museum of Modern Culture, Athens Greece
4. Museum of Modern Culture, Athens Greece