Tribesman wearing huge koteka in Wamena - West Papua - stock photo

Wamena, Irian Jaya, Indonesia - August 09th, 2007 Tribesman shows his huge koteka during the Baliem Valley cultural Festival in Wamena. The koteka, or penis gourd is a penis sheath traditionally worn by native male inhabitants of some (mainly highland) ethnic groups in New Guinea to cover their genitals. Koteka is made from a long, hard-skinned pumpkin skin. The shape of koteka signifies the social class of the wearer as people who have influence in society. Koteka has other functions as a marker of social status and even a symbol of resistance. This is one of the traditional outfits worn by some Papuans, especially in the highlands. People from the highlands of Wamena and the neighborhood of Baliem Valley come together for three days of celebrations and dancing and together. The festival aims to introduce and preserve the values and culture of traditional tribes and to symbolize the high spirit and power that have been practiced for generations.