Small crafts markets are popping up everywhere in Port Moresby.
This happens so every time there are special occasions, like festivals such as provincial days, cultural events including school or work events that get the interest of tourists and locals as well.
Loop PNG interviewed a group of mothers who were selling their handcraft at Ela Beach during the Hiri Moale Festival and this is what they had to say.
Maria Joseph from Enga sells bilums which she weaves herself.
“Me and a couple other ladies sell our bilums at Waigani market however, because we heard there was a festival knowing that there will be a lot of expats here, we brought our bilums down here to try to sell and make some money,” Maria said.
Maria says she has been to different parts of the city already and is still looking to find a permanent location to settle down and sell.
She adds that she is up to date with the crafts sales that go on at certain locations as well as their timing so she plans ahead to go to these places when they are open each month.
“I’ve been to Laguna craft market, Moresby Arts Theatre, Ela Beach and every once in a while, the Boroko craft market and the Nature Park as those are spot where I see tourist frequent a lot,” she says.
Maria was at Ela Beach Hiri Moale Festival when PNG Loop caught up with her.
If you are looking to visit any of the crafts listed anytime soon, look out for Maria and her bilums.
Apart from souvenir shops in respective hotels and the airport, here are lists of craft markets you can visit –
Do note their occurrence dates and do call the contacts provided to confirm:
* Nature's Gifts at the Port Moresby Nature Park: +675 326-0482
* Laguna Craft Market at the Laguna Hotel: +675 323-9333 (first Saturday of every month)
* Moresby Arts Theatre Craft Market: +675 325-3503 (second Saturday of every month)
* Ela Beach Craft Market: +675 325-2838 (last Saturday of every month)
* Annie's Pottery: +675 7682-8586
* Port Moresby Grammar School Craft Market: +675 323 6577(second Saturday of month)