What do you think of when you hear the word Papua? Maybe you will imagine the beauty of Raja Ampat, Mount Cartenz and Jayawijaya Mountains, and honai houses. The discussion about Papua has a vast scope. In this article, we will focus on discussing West Papua traditional clothes that need to be preserved!
Papuan Traditional Clothing Models as Indonesian Culture
Perhaps the only Papuan traditional garment you are familiar with so far is the koteka. The local and international communities are aware of this aspect of Papuan culture distinctive and well-liked. Let’s learn the necessity to recognize and protect traditional Papuan clothing as a cultural element.
1. Baju Kurung
A velvet-covered top known as a Baju Kurung is a traditional piece of apparel for ladies in West Papua. These West Papua traditional clothes, which other civilizations have inspired, are often worn by residents of the Manokwari region. West Papuans also wear these outfits for traditional events.
2. Sali
Sali women who are single or unmarried are only allowed to wear traditional Sali clothes. These garments are constructed using materials collected from the natural world, specifically tree bark.
Because it is used primarily on single women, the tree’s bark typically has a brown tint. Married women are still seen as not being permitted to wear these garments.
3. Koteka/Holim
The unusual design of the Koteka, a traditional male garment, makes it stand out. It is produced from the water gourd’s skin after removing the seeds and meat. The Koteka, which resembles a sleeve, is attached to the waist facing upwards after drying.
Uniqueness and Accessories in West Papua Traditional Clothes
Papuan traditional clothing has a distinctive quality that differentiates it from conventional clothes. Of course, it comes with a variety of accompanying items that can increase the exotic value of this garment, including:
1. Dog Teeth and Pig Fangs
This particular item, constructed of pig and dog fangs, is unusual. The pigs’ tusks, employed between the eater’s nostrils, give them their distinctiveness. However, the dog’s teeth are merely used as an additional ornament on the necklace.
2. Noken Bag
A traditional Papuan bag worn on the head is called a Noken bag. It can be used as a complement to other West Papua traditional clothes.
Noken bags have many types that are distinguished by their size and function. Large bags are usually used by mothers who work as farmers to lift various natural products, such as heavy firewood, various groceries, and other necessities.
As for the small-sized noken bag, it is usually used by students to carry school equipment such as books and other stationery.
The noken bag has meaning and significance as a symbol of a good life, peace, and fertility for the Papuan people. In addition, there are special rules that are pretty interesting, namely the manufacture of noken bags can only be made by Papuans, especially the mamas in Papua.
Therefore, women in Papua have been taught since childhood to make noken bags as a symbol of the maturity of Papuan women.
3. Tassel Decoration on the head
This decoration is constructed of straw or dried sago leaves and is formed like a crown. Additionally, this hat is embellished with white rabbit and cassowary feathers. Only the tribal chiefs in the area are permitted to wear this headgear, making it memorable and distinctive.
4. Images on the body
Most of West Papua’s traditional clothes do not have a top. Therefore they use images on their bodies instead. The picture generally has a color:
- Red, the red color, is made of clay paste.
- While the white color is made from the essential ingredients of mashed shells.
Wrapping Up
These are a few distinctive characteristics of traditional Papuan clothing, which is still highly conventional yet has a profound philosophy. Because West Papua traditional clothes still use natural basic materials, they are now distinguished as a distinctive cultural asset. Although the conventional clothes above are rarely used, they are often available at gift shops as souvenirs for domestic and foreign tourists.
