The Wire

Counterfeit artefacts are a problem for indigenous communities worldwide, and in Papua New Guinea the trade in fake bilums is a cause of concern to the local communities.

The issue has caught the attention of the PNG Customs Service, which is responsible for enforcement at the borders. They have undertaken to work closely with other line agencies and departments to monitor and enforce activity that does not meet their standards or requirements at the borders, including the import of counterfeit bilums.