Born and raised in the mountainous Eastern Highland Province of Papua New Guinea, Betty Peter is a local indigenous artist.

Due to tribal challenges, Betty was not given an opportunity to receive an education so her mother encouraged her to take up art as a means to provide for herself.

She designs and creates necklaces, headbands, vases and bilum bags. Made traditionally and with locally sourced materials like Papuan shells Betty, who now resides in Kamkumung, worked hard to learn and master the techniques to produce durable, intricately woven bags and artefacts.

With a distinct perspective of the world around her and a desire to keep cultural customs and artistic techniques alive, Betty continues to develop her skills.

In this tropical environment where the vast majority of the inhabitants live largely traditional lives in agricultural societies – Betty dedicates much of her time to her art, with some artefacts taking weeks to create.

Having spent the last five years on her art, she gleans inspiration from what she can see in nature including patterns based on butterfly wings, frogs and pine trees.

Betty’s husband comes from the Tami islands, an area famous for their elaborate wood carving. His artwork complements Betty’s bilum bags. The income they receive from selling their art supports their family.