Hearing the words of traditional Indonesian clothing from Papua, suddenly a ‘koteka’ is created in our minds or the figure of a naked person who only wears a cover in intimate areas. “No!”
We must discard this thought. The traditional clothing of Papua New Guinea is not limited to koteka. Yokai and Sali are other conventional clothes. Let’s find out what it is for and the meaning of Papuan culture.
Traditional Indonesian Clothing for Papuan Men, Yokal
Yokal is an article of traditional clothing that originated in Papua and is specifically designed for married Papuan women. In contrast to Sali, Yokal is intended for Papuan women who are married, so when people in Papua mention the names Yokal and Sali, it means they are addressed to married women and those who are not.
If koteka is freely traded as souvenirs, yokal cannot be bought freely. This dress is considered a symbol that describes the closeness of the Papuan people to nature.
Traditional Indonesian Clothing for Women, Sali
To identify a girl who is single or married can be identified by the clothes she wears. Sali’s clothes are clothes that only girls can wear. They can use this Sali shirt to carry out daily activities. Married women are not allowed to wear this traditional dress.
You wouldn’t expect this outfit to be made from selected tree bark or dried sago leaves. One of the criteria is that the tree’s bark must be brown so that the resulting clothes look perfect, attractive, and pleasing to the eye. Because at first glance, this traditional Indonesian clothing looks like stitched cloth when worn by Papuan girls.
The Sali is wrapped around the body and arranged so that the inside is longer than the outside.
Supplementary Accessories Yokal and Sali
- Jewelry on the head, animal hairs resembling a crown. Made of white or yellow cassowary feathers. In addition to cassowary feathers, the shape is unique and exciting, sometimes also using weeds as a substitute for
- Noken feathers or unique woven bags typical of Papua. Webbing resembles a net from natural materials often found in Papua, usually made of woven bark and tree roots in the forest. Many Noken functions and sizes also vary. Yatoo is a prominent type of noken commonly used to transport firewood, various garden crops, usually sweet potatoes, beans, potatoes, and mixed vegetables, as well as to transport groceries or to bring merchandise to the market.
- The teeth or fangs of a pig or dog. The tusk of a pig is usually used on the nose of a Dani man, indicating he is a warrior. If the fangs face down, the soldiers are angry and want to fight.
Final Words
The number of islands scattered from Sabang to Merauke gave birth to a rich and diverse culture. Indonesia is rich in culture, customs, and beautiful and charming nature. Our country consists of many islands. Each island is, wow, unique. You must be proud to be a child of the nation.
This is the diversity and manifestation of the cultural heritage of our ancestors. It also includes regional dances, folk songs, traditional houses, and clothes. We must build this country and protect it together. Let’s preserve the Earth of Indonesia.
The development of the times does not mean we must abandon traditional clothing. Sali is an example of traditional Indonesian clothing that adapts to civilization without leaving Papuan cultural values.