Papua New Guinea Bilas - Body Mask in Wansolmoana
Papua New Guinea Body Mask in Wansolmoana Bilas is a Tok Pisin word referring to body adornment from the pidgin language of Papua New Guinea. There are many unique forms of bilas, representing the interconnection of people to land, the environment and all living things. These wickerwork body masks represent female and male spirit figures. Aisasa-Yo-Rogo (body mask) Cane, bark cloth, cassowary feathers, natural pigment Aisasa-Yo-Rogo (body mask) Cane, bark cloth, cassowary feathers, natural pigment Made by Chief Atui Mombea, acquired 2019 Yalu, Kagua District, Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea Curated by the Australian Museum’s Pasifika staff and cultural knowledge holders in Australia and from around the Pacific, Wansolmoana, meaning One Salt Ocean, celebrates the complex, varied and dynamic cultures and languages of today's Pasifika peoples. Delve into the ties Pasifika peoples have with the past, each other and the environment, in this permanent exhibition. Wansolmoana reflects the cultural significance of the immense body of water that connects the islands and people across the Pacific region. It blends the wisdom of Ancestors with the voices of the present to ensure a vibrant legacy for future generations. The Australian Museum thanks the Pasifika curatorium, Pasifika diaspora in Australia and communities from within the various Pacific Islands, for their generosity, insights, stories and cultural knowledge shared throughout Wansolmoana. The Pasifika Gallery was made possible through the generous support of The Macdoch Foundation. Image: Anna Kučera
© Australian Museum

In this Museum educator-led program, students will explore the diverse cultures of the pacific community whilst looking at the many ways Pasifika Peoples stay connected to their past, each other, and the environment. Through hands-on activities, students will examine significant Pasifika Objects and their deep connection to Pasifika Cultures.

This program takes place within Wansolmoana, the Australian Museum's Pasifika gallery. The programs and resources have been specially designed or sourced to enable group work, hands-on experiences, exploration and open-ended questioning, which foster collaboration and critical thinking. The program will be facilitated by a Museum educator, and we strongly encourage teacher, parent and guardian participation.

Audience: Stages 2-3
Cost: $10 (GST included) per student with a minimum cost of $100 per session. General entry to the Australian Museum is free.
Duration: 45 minutes
Capacity: Up to 30 students per session
Term: Term 1-4, 2024
Dates: Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays
Times: 10am, 11.00am, 12:15pm & 1:15pm

A Day at the Museum for disadvantaged schools
If you are classified as a disadvantaged Australian primary and/or secondary school with an ICSEA value of less than 1000, or a special school, as defined by the Australian Curriculum Assessment and Reporting Authority (ACARA) you may be eligible for our A Day at the Museum program.



NSW Syllabus (for the Australian curriculum)

Stage 2
Geography K–10 Syllabus
A student:

  • describes the ways people, places and environments interact GE2-2

History K–10 Syllabus
A student:

  • identifies celebrations and commemorations of significance in Australia and the world HT2-1

Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus
A student:

  • selects and uses materials, tools and equipment to develop solutions for a need or opportunity ST2-2DP-T

Stage 3
Geography K–10 Syllabus
A student:

  • explains interactions and connections between people, places and environments GE3-2

Science and Technology K–6 Syllabus
A student:

  • explains how the properties of materials determines their use for a range of purposes ST3-7MW-T

Any changes to numbers or cancellations must be made in writing by emailing group.bookings@australian.museum before the date for Final Confirmation (14 days prior to your visit).


Final booking numbers must be confirmed at least 14 days prior to the scheduled visit.

A tax invoice will be issued prior to your visit based on Final Confirmation details.


A tax invoice based on Final Confirmation details will be issued prior to your visit or session.

Please advise at the time of booking if the tax invoice needs to be issued to a different contact name or email address. NSW Department of Education schools that use the EDConnect payment system should advise this at time of booking and provide a purchase order number if required.

Our payment terms are net 14 days. However, it is the AM’s strong preference that bookings be paid in full prior to the visit.

Adjustments on the day – the AM will adjust the invoice amount and you must pay the difference where:
i) Group numbers increase from Final Confirmation numbers; or
ii) the Group changes to a more expensive booking/ticket.

The adjusted invoice payment terms are net 14 days. To be clear, where numbers are less than Final Confirmation numbers, no deductions or refunds will be given.

Group Bookings Terms and Conditions


For information about your excursion, arrival to the Museum and available facilities, visit our School groups page.