Penis Sheath (Koteka)


Kotekas come in different shapes, from straight to curve, and in various widths and lengths. They are traditionally worn by men in the highlands region of Papua as a penis sheath. The Dani people grow their own gourds, shape them during the growing process, and dried them for making the koteka. These penis sheath are often left in the natural color fo the gourd and undecorated as in this collection of kotekas.

Title: Penis Sheath (Koteka)

Artist: Unknown

Creation Date: 1980s – 1990s

Geography: Indonesia, Papua

Culture: Dani

Medium: Gourd

Technique: Cutting

Dimensions: 3.4 – 19 x 9 – 65.3 cm. (1.34 – 7.5 x 3.54 – 25.71 in.)

Classification: Costumes; principal attire (lower body)

Credit Line: Gift of Fleur Hampton in memory of Dr. O. W. Hampton, 2020

Object ID: H3, H9, H11, H13, H15, H17, H19, H21, H24