Meta description: Noken is one of the original amazing handicrafts from Papua and West Papua, which is unique and valuable for the creative economy.
Slug: Noken-to-Support-Creative-Economy-in-West-Papua
When talking about unique bags in Indonesia, especially Papua and West Papua, people might think about the one the people hang on the forehead. Papuans usually do it with their special bag called Noken. Noken is made by crocheting special thread and comes in various colors and patterns. Although Papuans hang it on the forehead through their back, the people from the outside of Papua can hang the bag on their shoulders because hanging a bag on the forehead needs special abilities.
Noken is an original handicraft from all over Papua, which makes this item valuable. From an economic opportunity view, this bag could be a good alternative for developing a creative economy. Here are some reasons why.
Noken West Papua as world’s Heritage
Since December 2012, Noken has officially become the world’s cultural heritage after UNESCO released its decision. There are many considerations why Noken has become the world’s heritage from Papua and West Papua. One of them is that there is nothing like Noken in the world. It’s only in Indonesia.
Being the world’s heritage means more people will know about this bag. As a result, the popularity might increase, leading to more demand for Noken. More demands mean more income which is very good for Papuans, especially for their financial and economic growth.
The multipurpose of Noken
Noken from Papua and West Papua is available in many sizes. The big size of Noken is called Yatoo, the medium is gapagoo, and the small one is mitute. Each size has a different function. Yatoo is usually used by Papuan mothers to bring their harvest from the farm. It is also used for bringing wood, big groceries, and even for holding babies.
Gapagoo is usually used for bringing a small number of groceries. While the small one, Mitute, is used for bringing personal items. Students also use this size of bag for keeping their items. If you want Noken for yourself, you will need a different size of Noken for different items.
Moreover, Noken can be a beautiful present for your friends or family. Many people who come to Papua or West Papua can pick Noken for souvenirs. It would be a perfect chance for the Papuans to keep improving their creativity to provide beautiful functional Noken for these tourists.
The uniqueness of Noken
As stated before, Noken is handmade and unique. Papuans create this bag manually, and it’s not simple. The material for making this bag is special because it’s made from thread or rope. This thread or rope is processed from special wood fiber. Additionally, someone needs up to three months to finish a big-size Noken. Another unique thing about this bag is that it is naturally colored with natural colorings.
Noken is valued at various prices depending on the size and can be a good item to support the creative economy in West Papua. Papuans Noken artists are experts in making this bag. It gives them more opportunities to increase their financial condition.
A creative economy means something that comes from creative ideas. Making Noken an alternative source of income is a brilliant Idea. It will help the people’s economy in West Papua or other parts of Papua. If this grows and Papuans get the chance to make it their special item, their future will be brighter. Finally, the government should create some programs to support this for their creative economy development.
