(Views expressed in this article are the personal opinion of the Author, a narration of their experience.)


The island of New Guinea is fringed by many small islands to the east. The west portion of the island, called Papua or West Papua, is politically part of Indonesia. The narrow Torres Strait separates New Guinea from Australia to the south. Physical features have profoundly and diversely shaped the lives of people living there for over fifty thousand years. The natural world,supernatural world and the rituals surrounding lifes passages inspired the creation of the Jolika Collection works we explore today. They are complex compositions layered with imagery and meaning. Designs and motifs are often specific to clans and communities and their meanings concealed by the maker or revealed to only the highest grade initiates. They can relate epic histories ofa clan or ancestor represent a spirit or ancestor during ceremonies and, in some cases, serve as a dwelling place for a spirit or ancestor. When worn, they can signify the status of a wearer. Extensive and historic trade networks involving cultural objects, including many forms fiber works, are documented throughout the island and outer islands for tens of thousands of years.


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This article was originally published in the 11th Biennial Symposium,Textile Society of America, 2008.