Biriko - women's symbol and a dancing fan
There are two kinds of Biriko . The largest is used as a versatile everyday item: as an adult sleeping mat, to cover babies and sleeping toddlers for protection, as an umbrella to protect from rain or sun, as a covering for food knapsacks, and for wrapping and storing food during a journey. The utility and beauty of its design make it a valuable trade item or compensation payment.
The small Biriko is used mainly for dancing during feasting occasions. It takes skill to make the Biriko and there are traditional patterns such as "sago seed" or "grasshopper's legs" designs. It is made by sewing together four leaves of a young palm tree with string made from tree vines. The large Biriko is made from a more mature palm. It is double the thickness and on one side a slit is left open to create a pocket in between.
From back to front: Biriko (pandanus hood), east coast of Bougainville Island, acquired by the Australian Museum from WJ Potter in 1918. Height 64cm, width 80cm. Biriko (pandanus hood), hills west of Kieta, Bougainville Island, acquired by the Australian Museum from WJ Potter in 1917. Height 47cm, width 64cm. Photo: C Bento.
Copyright © Australian Museum, 2003
