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Papua Traditional Clothing: Type, Uniqueness, And Philosophy

Do you appear on your mind to hear the word Papua? Maybe you will imagine the beauty of Raja Ampat, Mount Cartenz and Jayawijaya Mountains, and Honai House.What are Papua traditional clothing?

This exotic island is located at the eastern end of Indonesia. There are many things that still need to be explored deeper about Papua. In addition to copper and gold mines on the island, there are many other things that are interesting for us to know. This island has a long historical struggle and tiring to the extent that the military must intervene. We know that struggle in history books as liberation of West Irian.

The province has an area of ​​312,224.37 km2 of the total area of ​​421,981 km2 and is directly bordered by the State of Papua New Guinea. Previously, this region was known as Irian Jaya to mention the entire region of Papua Island. Here we will discuss about Papua traditional clothing?

But since 2003, the island has been divided into two provinces, namely West Papua in the western part and Papua (only) for the eastern part. So if we call Papua, then what is meant is the province of Papua in the eastern part of Papua Island. Papua Province has its capital in Jayapura City.

Culture On The Island of Papua

There is a variety of information that we get about the number of tribes on Papua Island, but most of them say that there are around 466 tribes that live there. They are a family with the indigenous population of the Australian continent, the Aboriginal tribe. Among the tribes in Papua are Asmat, Biak, Nafri, Sentani, Batu/ Island wood, Tobati/ Enggros, Demta, Kaureh, Kimaghama, Maklew, and others. Here we will talk more about Papua traditional clothing?

Of the various tribes, there are more than 270 languages ​​on Papua Island. Meanwhile in the Papua New Guinea section, there are various tribes and there are 800 languages ​​there. The culture in Papua includes dances, houses, ceremonies, and traditional clothing. Read also West Papua Traditional Musical Instrument that you need to know.

Papuan Traditional clothing type

There are many kinds in Papua traditional clothing . One of them is Koteka which we often hear because of the many reports on television shows and news. Besides Koteka, there are several other types of Papuan traditional clothing. Before we learn what kind of type, it helps us know the characteristics of Papuan traditional clothing.

As we know, Papuan traditional clothing has not been influenced by outside culture so it is still very original and genuine, really still original. Papuan traditional clothing suggests that its inhabitants live side by side with the natural surroundings. The uniqueness of Papuan traditional clothing makes their traditional clothing known in Indonesia and the international world.

Below are the types of Papua  traditional Papuan clothing.

Koteka

Koteka is part of Papuan traditional clothing that serves to cover the genitals of the native male male population, while other body parts are left open so that they are almost naked. Koteka, literally has meaning as clothing. Koteka is also called Horim or Bobbe.

Koteka is made of water pumpkin leather that has been removed by seeds and fruit. The selected water flask must be old because the old pumpkin if dried has a hard and durable texture. The old pumpkin is planted in the sand or soil and then burned to make it easier to remove the seeds and fruit. After successfully removed the seeds and fruit, the flask is dried by aerated on the fireplace. We will discuss about Papua traditional clothing?

 Caloso

The shape is long like a shell and the tip is tapered like a cone or more like a carrot fruit stem. At the end of the koteka is given fur or firm fur or bird feathers.

Koteka is put into the vital part of a man. In order not to be easily released about this Papua traditional clothing, on the left and right there is a rope so that the koteka can wrap the rope to the waist of the user. For men who are still virgins, Koteka is used in a perpendicular position up. While for men who use koteka in a position up and tilted to the right, symbolize virility and have high social status or nobility.

The general assumption circulating says that the size, both long and large, Koteka symbolizes the wearer’s status. Koteka size is chosen based on what activities are being carried out.

There are information about Papua traditional clothing? . Hope this article is useful.