Within Ripley’s collection of rare artifacts are a few oddities that might make visitors do a double take. One of the most surprising? The penis sheath—or koteka —from New Guinea.
What is a Koteka?
Despite their eye-catching appearance, these sheaths are worn by male tribesmen as a form of protection against the elements in New Guinea’s dense jungles.
In the Dania tribe, owning multiple koteka is as normal as having a closet full of hats, pants, and shoes. Men choose from a variety of sheaths depending on the occasion, creating a unique wardrobe of sorts.
Artistry Meets Utility
Koteka are traditionally made from gourds, woven fibers, or a combination of both. Some are simple and plain, while others are decorated with vibrant paint, feathers, and cowry shells—mirroring the colorful artistry found throughout New Guinea.
Growing the perfect gourd is an art in itself. Villagers carefully cultivate them near their homes to ensure constant supervision. To shape them into long, straight forms, stones are tied to the plants during growth.
Outsider Fascination
To many visiting Christian missionaries and tourists, the koteka seemed exotic and strange. For nearly a century, they have been collected as souvenirs—often misunderstood and sensationalized by outsiders.
Unfortunately, with modernization and shifting cultural norms, the tradition of wearing the koteka has been slowly fading away.
A Deeper Look: Koteka in Daily Life
It wasn’t until the 1960s that the West gained real insight into the tradition. British anthropologist Karl Heider spent over two years studying the practice firsthand. His research revealed that koteka were more than just protection—they were woven into daily communication.
Using the sheath almost like an instrument, tribesmen would flick their fingernails against it to create loud sounds, sending messages that conveyed fear, excitement, or other emotions. Some tribesmen even used the hollow space inside their koteka to store small valuables like money or tobacco!
Even in cold and snowy conditions, many Dania tribesmen chose to wear only their koteka —despite the lack of warmth and, let’s be honest, pocket space.
But Wait... There's More!
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