National Cultural Commission

12/06/2026

Karawari Bilum – Part 2

This bilum is known as the Marit Bilum. Traditionally, when a couple marries, the husband's parents present this bilum to the wife as a symbol of commitment, connection, and the bond between the two families. It represents unity, respect, and the beginning of a shared journey in marriage.

11/06/2026

PNG Bilum and Arts Creation Show: Showcasing Karawari Bilum Through Fashion

10/06/2026

Karawiri Bilum

The traditional art that tells the stories, culture, and customs of the Karawiri people. Through its unique weaving patterns, each bilum reflects the tribe’s identity, history, and way of life. This video highlights the beauty and meaning behind this cultural art.

Part 1

08/06/2026

The Liku: The Traditional Yam House of the Trobriand Islands

By Livai Manafri

Among the many remarkable cultural structures of Papua New Guinea, the Liku, or yam house, of the Trobriand Islands stands as one of the most distinctive symbols of traditional leadership, wealth, and social identity. Found throughout the islands of Milne Bay Province.

A traditional Liku is an elevated structure built from locally available materials such as hardwood posts, bush timber, bamboo, sago-palm leaves, and woven cane. It is carefully constructed using traditional knowledge passed down through generations. The yam house is usually positioned in a prominent location within the village so that it can be clearly seen by community members and visitors alike.

The most striking feature of the Liku is its decorative front façade. Unlike ordinary houses, the front of the yam house is richly adorned with traditional carvings, painted designs, and symbolic decorations that communicate the status and identity of its owner. The structure is often built with a steeply pitched roof covered with thatch and supported by strong wooden beams. Beneath the roof, rows of carefully stacked yams are displayed in an orderly arrangement, creating an impressive visual display of abundance and prosperity.

Each component of the Liku carries symbolic meaning. One of the most recognizable symbols is the Udawada, or kingfisher bird, which is commonly displayed on the yam house. The kingfisher represents the Chief's Tabalu character—watchful, wise, and decisive. Just as the bird silently observes before swiftly catching its prey, the Chief is expected to observe community affairs carefully and act when necessary.

Decorative wave-like patterns known as Kulakola are also featured on the structure. These designs symbolize the Chief's influence and authority extending throughout the community, much like waves spreading across the sea. The Kaduguwai, sticks projecting from the roof of the yam house, signify the Chief's readiness to intervene in community matters and provide guidance to his people.

At the entrance of the Liku, woven cowrie shell decorations known as Kapiwa are often displayed. These shells symbolize prestige, wealth, and hospitality. They announce the presence of the Chief and signal that the yam house is a place associated with generosity, leadership, and communal support.

Inside the Liku, yams are carefully arranged and stored. In Trobriand culture, yams are not simply food crops; they represent wealth, social relationships, and cultural obligations. The number of yams stored within a yam house demonstrates the strength of a Chief's social network and his ability to mobilize support from relatives and clan members. A large and well-stocked Liku reflects strong leadership, while an empty or poorly stocked yam house may indicate declining influence.

The Liku serves as a public display of wealth and leadership. During important ceremonies, such as harvest celebrations and mortuary feasts known as Sagali, yams stored in the yam house are redistributed among community members. Through these acts of generosity, Chiefs reinforce social bonds and maintain their authority within the community.

For this reason, many Trobriand Islanders refer to the Liku as the Chief's "bank account." However, unlike modern banks where wealth is accumulated for personal benefit, the wealth stored in a yam house is intended to be shared. The prestige of a Chief depends not on how much he keeps, but on how effectively he redistributes resources to support his people.
Today, the Liku remains one of the most visible symbols of Trobriand cultural identity. Although modernization, environmental changes, and shifting social values continue to influence traditional practices, the yam house still represents the enduring connection between leadership, reciprocity, and community life.

More than a building, the Liku is a living expression of Trobriand culture. It stands as a reminder that leadership is measured not only by authority, but also by generosity, responsibility, and service to the community. Through its architecture, symbolism, and function, the yam house continues to preserve and communicate the rich cultural heritage of the Trobriand Islands for future generations.

03/06/2026

Thank you, Post Courier

Enga Governor Sir Peter Ipatas and Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka officially received a K500,000 cheque yesterday for the upcoming 32nd Enga Cultural Show.

03/06/2026

Thank you, Post Courier

The National Cultural Commission (NCC) under the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Enga Provincial Government in Port Moresby yesterday.

03/06/2026

MoU Signed to Strengthen Cultural Research and Preservation in Enga Province

02/06/2026

Thank you TVWAN

Papua New Guinea’s rich cultural heritage took centre stage during the inaugural PNG Contemporary Bilum and Arts Creation Show, held from May 30 to 31 at Sir John Guise Stadium.

Read more: https://tvwan.com.pg/news/9760



Picture Credit: NCC / Supplied

01/06/2026

PNG Contemporary Bilum and Arts Creation Show Celebrates Cultural Heritage and Creative Excellence

The inaugural PNG Contemporary Bilum and Arts Creation Show was successfully hosted from 30th-31st May 2026 at Sir John Guise Stadium, Port Moresby, bringing together bilum makers, artists, and cultural practitioners across the city for a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and tradition.

The event is officially registered with the National Cultural Commission (NCC), and has been recognised as one of Papua New Guinea’s annual cultural events that is featured on the country’s national cultural events calendar.

Speaking at the closing, Executive Director of the National Cultural Commission, Mr. Steven Enomb Kilanda, expressed his appreciation to the National Capital District Commission (NCDC) for partnering with the Commission to successfully host the inaugural show. He also thanked the event sponsors and corporate partners for their support, saying their contributions played a vital role in creating opportunities for artists, bilum makers, and artisans to showcase their talents while supporting community development and cultural preservation.

"The National Cultural Commission is proud to partner with NCDC in delivering this important cultural event. We are committed to hosting this show annually and ensuring it continues to grow as a nationally recognised platform for our artists, bilum makers, and cultural practitioners.

This event will now be registered under the national events calendar and recognised as one of Papua New Guinea’s major cultural events. It provides an avenue for preserving our cultural heritage while empowering our people through arts, crafts, and creative industries,” he said.

Over the two-days the stadium grounds were transformed into a colourful showcase of Papua New Guinea’s rich artistic heritage, featuring an extensive display of contemporary and traditional bilums, paintings, carvings, jewellery, woven products, and a variety of locally crafted artworks. The exhibition provided artists and artisans with an opportunity to showcase their talents, market their products, and share cultural knowledge with the public.

Manager Communications and Public Engagements for NCDC, Mr. Xavier Wablasu, acknowledged the contributions of sponsors, partners, exhibitors, and organizers whose collective efforts ensured the success of the inaugural event.

He commended the organising committee and participating groups for their commitment to promoting local culture and creativity, describing the show as a valuable platform for community engagement, cultural preservation, and economic empowerment.

Bilums, one of Papua New Guinea’s most iconic cultural symbols, took centre stage throughout the event. Mothers and artisans proudly displayed handcrafted bilums of various styles, colours, and designs, each reflecting the unique identity, traditions, and stories of their respective provinces. The exhibition highlighted how traditional bilum weaving continues to evolve through contemporary designs while maintaining its cultural significance.

Participants travelled from East Sepik, Morobe, Madang, Western, and Jiwaka provinces, alongside mothers and artists from Port Moresby, to take part in the exhibition. Their presence showcased the diversity of Papua New Guinea’s cultural expressions and reinforced the important role that arts and crafts play in strengthening communities and supporting livelihoods.
The event also featured live performances by some of Papua New Guinea’s contemporary musicians and entertainers, creating an energetic atmosphere that attracted large crowds throughout the weekend.

A major highlight was the cultural fashion show, where models showcased traditional and contemporary bilum-inspired designs created by talented mothers and artisans. The colourful presentation celebrated the creativity, skill, and dedication of women who continue to preserve the art of bilum weaving while adapting it to modern fashion trends. The showcase demonstrated the versatility of bilums as both cultural treasures and contemporary fashion statements.

Organisers described the PNG Contemporary Bilum and Arts Creation Show as a significant platform for cultural preservation, women's empowerment, and the growth of Papua New Guinea’s creative economy. The event not only celebrated artistic excellence but also highlighted the potential of cultural products to contribute to sustainable community development.

The success of the inaugural show has generated strong interest for future editions, with organisers planning to expand participation and create even more opportunities for artists, bilum makers, and cultural practitioners from across the countr

The show stands as a testament to the resilience, creativity, and cultural pride of Papua New Guineans, reaffirming the importance of preserving and promoting the nation’s unique cultural heritage for future generations.

29/05/2026

ENGA CULTURAL SHOW RECIEVE’S K500 000 BOOST

Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Hon. Belden Norman Namah, has fulfilled its commitment by making available a funding of K500,000 to the Enga Cultural Show in Port Moresby on Friday, 29th, May 2026.

The cheque presentation was done by the Minister Hon. Belden Namah and received by the action Governor for Enga Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas witnessed by the Provincial Administrator Sandis Tsaka, NCC Executive Director Steven Enomb Kilanda and First Secretary to the Minister David Lepi and officials.

A memorandum of understanding (MoU) was also formalised and signed with the National Cultural Commission (NCC), Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and Enga Provincial Government honouring the commitment to work collaboratively and constructively to drive and develop cultural programs and activities through the communities in the province.

Minister Hon. Belden Namah in his remarks alluded that the funding aims to bolster cultural preservation, boost sustainable tourism, and foster unity within the greater Enga and Highlands region.

Mr Namah said recognizing the vital role of provincial events, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture is actively partnering with local stakeholders to safeguard the country’s diverse cultural identity and pass it on to future generations.

“In doing so, we are fulfilling our commitments as the ministry responsible with the backing of the National Cultural Commission to provide technical and logistical and funding support where necessary to not only elevate but, provide the platforms for cultural preservation and development at the community level,” he said.

The Enga Cultural Show, celebrated as a cornerstone event on the Papua New Guinea National Cultural Events calendar, attracts thousands of domestic and international visitors each year. The festival serves as a vibrant display of traditional singsing groups, intricate bilas (traditional attire), and deeply rooted cultural practices from across the region.

Minister Namah has continually advocated for the tourism and cultural sectors as sustainable economic drivers that can generate widespread employment and positively shape international perceptions of Papua New Guinea. Beyond economic revenue, local leaders have historically championed events like the Enga Cultural Show as powerful tools for community building and displaying of our diverse cultures.

“By bringing tribes together, these festivals help unite the people, foster peace, and encourage a sense of civic pride among younger generations.”

This K500,000 commitment aligns with the broader goals of the Ministry and its cultural institutions, such as the National Cultural Commission who work closely with provincial governments to develop, protect, and promote cultural heritage at the sub-national level.

Enga Governor Grand Chief Sir Peter Ipatas commended the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture under the stewardship of Minister Belden Namah and NCC Executive Director Steven Enomb Kilanda for working closely with Enga provincial Government and the support it receives is generously enormous.

He pointed out that the Enga Cultural show is one of the country’s oldest and most popular cultural shows in the country. And the support it gets will go towards preparation, support ongoing cultural development programs and activities leading up to the bigger, Enga Cultural show.

“On behalf of the people of Enga and the Enga Provincial Government, I would like to thank and give assurance that the 32nd annual Enga Cultural Show will be bigger and better. It will take place from August 7th to August 9th, 2026, in Wabag, Enga province.”