‘It’s our identity’: Papuan women sell Morning Stars-patterned accessories in National Games
Sentani, Jubi – Papuan People Assembly’s (MRP) member of the Women Workgroup Orpa Nari has warned security forces not to restrict Papuan women from selling noken – Papua’s multifunctional woven bag – and other accessories with the Morning Star design in the 20th National Games (PON XX) venue in Papua.
Previously, the security forces reportedly forbid Papuan women from selling any Morning Stars-patterned accessories during the event as they were considered a resistance symbol against the state.
Nari said the police should not be afraid of a pattern. “It’s just a pattern,” she said. “None of these mamas [Papuan women] weave the pattern as a way to go against the state. If anything, it’s our identity as Papuans,” she told Jubi on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.
