Irian pouches for Dutch

JAYAPURA, Irian Jaya: Beaming with pride, Jayawijaya regent Jos Buce Wenas told Antara yesterday that Dutch businesspeople ordered 1,000 traditional noken bags from the Dani tribe.

Unfortunately, the tribesmen could not meet the order because the offered price was too low, he said. He did not specify the figure, but said that it takes the tribesmen of the Baliem valley two weeks to produce one bag.

In the town of Wamena, he said, a good noken sells for about Rp 25,000 (US$11). (swe)