Noken: Papua’s Multipurpose Bag


Noken is a traditional craft originating from Papua, particularly the Papua Selatan region, characterized by its unique hand-knitting or weaving techniques utilizing natural fibers such as tree bark, pandan leaves, or orchid fibers. This craft has been recognized as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO since 2012 due to its significance in the daily lives of the Papuan people. Noken is essentially a knotted net or woven bag crafted by communities in the Papua and West Papua Provinces of Indonesia. It serves multiple purposes: men and women use it to carry various items, including plantation produce, catches from the sea or lakes, firewood, babies, small animals, and for shopping or storage within households. Additionally, Noken is worn during traditional festivities and is often presented as a peace offering, demonstrating its cultural importance and versatility in the sociocultural fabric of the region.

The method of making Noken involves several intricate techniques. The process starts with artisans selecting and cutting branches, stems, or bark from specific small trees or shrubs. These natural materials undergo a preparation phase where they are heated over a fire and soaked in water, making the wood fibers pliable for crafting. Following this, the fibers are dried and then spun into string or thread, which can be colored using natural dyes to align with the artistic and cultural aesthetics of the community. The string is then hand-knotted into net bags, which can come in a variety of sizes and patterns. The creation of Noken is not merely a craft; it demands a high level of manual skill, attention to detail, and artistic creativity, with artisans often dedicating several months to master the techniques involved in this unique form of textile art. 

The prevalence of Noken is declining due to several interrelated factors. These include diminishing awareness of the craft, a reduction in traditional knowledge transmission, a decrease in the number of skilled craftspeople, and competition from mass-produced alternatives. Additionally, challenges in sourcing traditional raw materials and evolving cultural values further contribute to this decline. Noken is characterized by its distinctiveness, as it is made from natural materials through a fully manual production process. Each bag tells a unique story, reflecting the identity of its maker. Symbolically, Noken represents independence, hard work, and unity within the Papuan community. It holds significant importance in daily life for carrying garden produce, essentials, and infants, and it is often associated with peace, featuring prominently in traditional ceremonies and as a gesture of friendship. 

Culturally, Noken is mandatory in ceremonies, serving as a sign of respect when gifted between individuals or groups. In contemporary times, it has emerged as a high-value handicraft, recognized as a unique Papuan souvenir. Noken was officially designated a UNESCO World Heritage item on December 4, 2012, necessitating periodic reports from the Indonesian government and cultural stakeholders to UNESCO regarding its preservation and development efforts. Cultural activist Marshal Suebu warns that failure to submit these reports could lead to the loss of its heritage status. 





References 


Indonesia Travel. (2025c, November 18). Noken Bag. The Official Website of Indonesia Tourism - Indonesia Travel. https://www.indonesia.travel/id/en/travel-ideas/culture/noken-bag 

Noken’s world heritage status at risk, Indonesia urged for timely reporting to UNESCO. West Papua Daily. (2024, February 29). https://en.jubi.id/nokens-world-heritage-status-at-risk-indonesia-urged-for-timely-reporting-to-unesco/ 

Noken multifunctional knotted or woven bag, handcraft of the people of Papua - UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. (n.d.-e). https://ich.unesco.org/en/USL/noken-multifunctional-knotted-or-woven-bag-handcraft-of-the-people-of-papua-00619

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