Koteka Melanesie… Costume Of The Papuans

Rare... and Interesting ObjectsThe koteka is a traditional garment of certain societies in the New Guinea highlands, including the Baliem Valley in Western New Guinea and the Ok Tedi and Telefomin regions of Papua New Guinea. It is worn without other clothing and tied in an upright position. The case is usually made from a hollowed-out and dried gourd, primarily Lagenaria siceraria, although other species, such as Nepenthes mirabilis, are sometimes used. It is held in place by a small loop of fiber attached to the base of the koteka and placed around the scrotum. A second loop is placed around the chest or abdomen and is attached to the main body of the koteka. These two authentic examples measure 30 cm and 35 cm long, and 3 to 3.5 cm in diameter.