Knowledge and Values of Noken from Three Highlander Ethnics in Indonesian New Guinea

Abstract

Nokens are cultural carrying bags made from natural fibres originally from Indonesian New Guinea. The goals of this research are to investigate their knowledge and values made by Dani, Lani and Mee ethnics in Jayawijaya. Survey and questioners were used to gather data, and ten respondents of each ethnic were selected. Research variables are plant natural fibres and their extraction, natural dyeing used, local names, purpose, local values, economic and marketing values. The results indicate that each ethnic used different natural fibres, but each has similar fibres of inner cambium trees for hanger, mouth, and basement sections, as they retain tension and tensile. Recently, synthetic fibres are applied because they are available, cheaper, and colourful. Noken has multi-functional uses, social, cultural, philosophy values and represents women independence. It indirectly reflects simplicity, unity, harmony, natural dependence, peace, and fertility of both women and the land.