TheJakartaPost
Please Update your browser
Your browser is out of date, and may not be compatible with our website. A list of the most popular web browsers can be found below.
Just click on the icons to get to the download page.
Google Doodle celebrates Papua’s 'noken'
The heritage has come under threat despite being passed down through generations.
Change Size
Illustrated by Depok-based artist Danu Fitria, the doodle celebrates the symbols held by the handcraft and its practical use in Papuans daily life.
(Courtest of/Google)
The doodle appearing on Google's landing page on Friday celebrates noken (traditional Papuan carryalls).
It commemorates the day noken was added to UNESCO’s Intangible Cultural Heritage List in Need of Urgent Safeguarding in 2012.
Illustrated by Depok-based artist Danu Fitria, the doodle celebrates the symbols held by the handcraft and its practical use in Papuans' daily lives.
According to Google, the bags are described as holding great cultural and socioeconomic significance throughout the provinces of Papua and West Papua.
Read also: Google Doodle celebrates traditional Balinese irrigation system ‘subak’
Typically, the bags are made from tree fibers, bark or leaves processed into strong threads before being knotted or woven together. Incredibly durable and versatile, the bags are used in daily life to carry and store staples such as food, firewood and even to carry toddlers and small animals.
Aside from its practical uses in daily life, noken has also served as a symbol of cultural unification among more than 250 ethnic groups in the region. It is often used as a type of savings and even often plays a symbolic role in peaceful resolution of disputes.
The heritage has come under threat despite being passed down through generations. After it was added to UNESCO’s list, various efforts have been carried out to preserve its longevity for future generations. (gis/wng)
