Waistbands and belts were worn by both men and women across the central and southern highlands of Papua New Guinea, in particular by the Wahgi people. Made by men, they were constructed using split strands from a variety of rattan canes and vines, and woven and plaited using a variety of intricate and ingenious patterns.

Belts such as this were usually worn over a larger coil of heavy bark, which protected the delicate nature of this popular form of body adornment. They could be easily removed by the wearer, by unfurling the coiled form.