Penis gourds rise to the occasion at the Goroka Show
All dressed up with not much on, except a scowling face on the chest and a penis gourd
Maybe you thought nothing could top the boobs of Papua New Guinea’s Goroka Show, but then you didn’t know about the penis gourds.
Called by a variety of names including kotekas, penis gourds are traditional items of ‘clothing’ worn by males from some highland tribes.
It’s rather disarming to encounter a group of penis gourd performers. They are clearly proud of both their physique and their gourds.
Dancing and prancing and singing
I’ve read that tribes can often be identified by the way they wear their gourds—pointed straight out, straight up, at an angle, or in other directions. Gourd size is also an indication of tribal allegiance. Apparently, here is little or no correlation between the size or length of the gourd and the social status of the wearer.
Gourds of different sizes serve different purposes: very short one are worn when working—yes, gourd-wearing is not confined to special occasions only, when longer and more elaborate ones appear. In fact, Tim Flannery, in his book Throwim way leg, paints a delightful picture of a queue in a supermarket with impeccably dressed Indonesian soldiers, administrative types and nuns mixing with tribesmen who have to push their gourds to one side so they can read the checkout cash register.
Penis gourds are made from specially grown gourds. Stone weights are tied to the bottom of the gourd to stretch it out as it grows. Curves are made by using string to restrain growth in whatever direction the grower wishes. When harvested, the gourd is emptied and dried.
As the photos show, these gourds get all sorts of decorative treatments.
Penis gourds are a popular tourist souvenir, but Poor John had no interest in buying one.
Where to next? 
Geez Peggy! I don’t know why Poor John wouldn’t want a penis gourd. I would have thought that it would have been just the thing for taking Indi up Mount Ainslie or going to the shops!
LikeLiked by 3 people
I think he was afraid the dog’s lead might get caught in it. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
That’s what I was thinking! I’m so glad I stumbled on this one. I understand the importance of respecting cultures, but…well, is it okay if I get giggle over here? I’ll be sure to be quiet about it and out of the way…
LikeLiked by 1 person
This calls for great amounts of giggling. Feel feel to guffaw too!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post!! Really enjoyed this one, still chuckling but very informative too!!
LikeLike
I felt it was important to add a bit of info to complement the eye candy. 🙂
LikeLiked by 2 people
There was a program on National Geographic, Discovery, or The Learning Channel (I forget all of the details) where two Brits went native in PNG, even to being adopted by the tribe with whom they live their adventure.
One got a bigger gourd given him than the other (to the delight of the fellow with the bigger gourd) when they went through an adoption ceremony that made them officially adult members of the tribe.
At the end of the day, they returned to conventional western clothes, which upset their hosts. A comment by one was that he has some abrasions on his parts that made the gourd uncomfortable. Their hosts were ready to do mayhem to them for this faux pas.
LikeLike
Ah yes, that program was very accurate. PNG tribes are offended when they take a foreigner into their community and then have the adoptee reject the gesture. I know others that it’s happened to. Pity, but understandable.
LikeLike
What a shame Poor John didn’t want one – it would make a fabulous conversation starter at the next pool party you attended.
LikeLike
What a brilliant idea. I’m sure this suggestion will convince him—not to get one. hahaha
LikeLike
Just found your blog. What an interesting post for me to read first!! Oh my, what can I say!? An “eye-opener” that’s for sure. Gives me some ideas for Christmas presents. 😉
LikeLike
Maybe I should have added a you-may-be-gobsmacked warning on this post. 🙂 Good luck with your Christmas shopping.
LikeLiked by 1 person
You’ve outdone yourself!
LikeLike
I think the penis gourds wearers are the ones who have outdone themselves.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Very ridiculous photos)
LikeLike
You are right. They are ridiculous.
LikeLike
Need to get me some penis gourds. I could sell the shit of of them at the farmer’s market.
LikeLike
You could probably grow your own. 🙂
LikeLike
Okay Peggy, I nominate you for THE Best Title … ever! What a great post. Between the boobs and the penis gourds, you’ve pretty much got it covered. I would love to see the combination of search terms that lead people to your posts. Well done. 🙂 ~Terri
LikeLike
I couldn’t resist the title, so blame my perverted mind. haha So can we expect you and James to join us at the next Goroka Show? I promise that you won’t be disappointed.
LikeLike
Actually it is really OK as far as I can see. Women all over the world dress in such a way as to enhance their appeal and so do these fellows. But did you feel just a little bit voyeuristic running around with a camera shooting them?
PS. I am closing down Scattered words very soon but continuing with Cryptic Garland at https://bandeaux.wordpress.com
Happy Christmas and thanks for your support this year.
LikeLike
I think most everyone feels very voyeuristic at first, but they get over it pretty quickly because everyone behaves so casually.
Very sad to hear that Scattered Words is ending. I’ve loved it. Look forward to appreciating Cryptic Garland just as much.
LikeLike
Wow so fascinating! All sizes, shapes, colours, lengths,… Interesting!
LikeLike
It is fascinating. Glad you liked it.
LikeLike
I have nominated you for the Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award.
LikeLike
Thanks so much for the nomination, but I have to decline. Because we travel so much and my internet connections can often be patchy and intermittent, I need to save all my writing time for the blog itself. But thanks so much for thinking of me.
LikeLike
Your travels are really incredible, I love your posts! Thanks Peggy. Congratulations for the award!
LikeLike
Thanks so much.
LikeLike
The nomination for the award (even if you had to decline) shows how your post are appreciated!
LikeLike
I appreciate your posts too.
LikeLike
What a laugh! It shows what “lengths” men go to for exposure of what is undoubtedly an appendage less ample or interesting than its ornate covering. 🙂
LikeLike
Your comment gave me a good laugh too. Thanks.
LikeLike
Very interesting photos – I have always wanted to visit PNG. I may actually now start seriously saving after seeing these photos 🙂 I hope the nationals keep their customs to continue being as unique as they are.
LikeLike
We loved PNG and hope to go again in 2015. The shows are amazing, just watch your backside.
LikeLike
Informative article. I started googling “Dani” tribe of Indonesia and PNG after reading an article on “http://www.boredpanda.com/vanishing-tribes-before-they-pass-away-jimmy-nelson/” suggesting the tribes around the world that are likely to extinct.
LikeLike
Thanks for stopping by. Most of the tribes in PNG are strong, but some are at risk.
LikeLike
If you have a thing like that, horses will make a queue line, next…! hehe..:) love your posts!
LikeLike
Thanks, I certainly had a lot of fun writing about Papua New Guinea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I feel like my gourd size is so inadequate after reading this! 🙂
LikeLike
Aw, don’t worry. I don’t even have one.
LikeLike
So, I have a very old penis gourd that I want to sell.
Any idea who I can contact ?? I don’t know any collectors of Asian art work.
Steve Hill (562) 881 – 1240
LikeLike
You should contact an art auction house. Good luck.
LikeLike
i do not want my penis gored! no siree bob!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I’ll let Bob know. 🙂
LikeLike
My husband was there many years ago and has vivid memories of a guy on a motorbike, wearing lots of feathers, a giant gourd (resting on the handlebars) and not much else. He was at a petrol station, waiting, listening to the races or something on his radio. It’s enough to make your head spin.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, the nonchalance of it is very disarming.
LikeLike
I don’t even know where to begin in describing just what my thoughts might be about this whole concept. I might have to put myself in time-out just so I can process everything… 😉
LikeLiked by 1 person
I understand completely. I almost had to put myself in time-out when I was there.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Imagine the screams of delight from the ladies when using these as a contraceptive
LikeLiked by 1 person
Actually I think it would be very hard to keep a straight face. 🙂
LikeLike
Oh, my, I tried so hard not to laugh because I want to respect customs of other cultures. But, those photos! I can’t stop smiling. i enjoyed the history lesson, though. I found it to be fascinating.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I know what you mean. Imagine being there in person and trying to keep a straight face. I took a lot of pics just to keep the camera in front of my face. 🙂
LikeLike
Woah!!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Woah is right!
LikeLiked by 1 person
LOL!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Have never seen those before. So interesting! Not sure what else to say about them but, so interesting! lol
LikeLiked by 1 person
And rather arresting!
LikeLike
Wow, this post certainly woke me up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahaha! Surprise!
LikeLike
Informative post. Enjoyed the way you presented it with touch of humour. The illustrations aptly support the narration.
LikeLiked by 2 people
Thanks so much for your insightful comment. I aimed to tell and illustrate the story with humour and dignity.
LikeLiked by 2 people
This is incredible! I never knew this existed.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I didn’t either until I visited.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yeah, most of America would freak the f*ck out over this tradition.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Especially if the guy in front of you at the checkout was wearing one!
LikeLiked by 1 person
I would feel awkward then.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Great post!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks. We’re thinking of going to another show in Papua New Guinea.
LikeLiked by 1 person
In the Trobriand Islands, the women sing a little song: “Oh, men, you use duwaku leaves as pubic strips / they are short leaves, far too short / nothing so short will ever get us to fornicate with you!”… 😆
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh that’s hilarious. Thanks so much for sharing it here.
LikeLike
😎
LikeLiked by 1 person
Amazing! I can see why it would be a bit disarming to come across these though!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh yes, very disarming even at the show.
LikeLike
I was surprised to see those things haha! I can say I’ve seen it first here 🙂 must be a good adventure as usual. Unique traditions etc.
LikeLiked by 1 person
It is rather startling to see at first, but it’s such an age-old tradition.
LikeLiked by 1 person
I guess it makes them stand up in the crowd!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hahahaha! It sure does.
LikeLike
WOW – never see this side of Papua New Guinea. Happy Traveling. 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
Yes, it is amazing to see.
LikeLike