Kotekas (Penis Gourds)

The koteka, or penis gourd, is a genital covering traditionally worn by male members of some (mainly highland) ethnic groups in New Guinea. They are normally made from a dried gourd, though bark coverings are also sometimes used. They are held in place by a small loop of fiber attached to the base of the koteka and passed around the scrotum. There is a secondary loop placed around the chest or abdomen and attached to the main body of the koteka. Men choose kotekas similar to ones worn by other men in their cultural group. For example, Yali men favour a long, thin koteka such as the one pictured here on the far left, which is held up partly by the rattan hoops worn around their waist.

Many ethnic groups can be identified by the way they wear their koteka. Some wear them pointed straight out, straight up, at an angle, or in other directions. The diameter of the koteka can also be a clue. Contrary to popular belief, there is little correlation between the size or length of the koteka and the social status of the wearer, nor is there apparently any particular element of sexual display. Kotekas of different sizes serve different purposes: very short kotekas, such as the example on the near left are worn when working and longer and more elaborate kotekas are worn on festive occasions.

Dried gourd, rattan; 10 x 4cm. | Dried gourd, pigment; 43.5 x 4cm.