Dani Rattan Phallus Sheath

Straight woven tube with bold dark zigzags and a mop of loose cord.

This woven rattan phallus sheath is Dani, from Papua, Indonesia, and dates to the mid 20th century. Penis sheaths, often called koteka, are traditional dress for men in parts of the New Guinea highlands, and their shapes and sizes differ among groups. On view, a slender cylinder that narrows slightly toward the top, worked in tan strand with wide dark chevrons spiraling up. Frayed ends and long strands fan out from the base and top. A narrow black stand holds it up. It is 13.5 inches high and 3.5 in diameter.

Plainly made, boldly patterned, and gloriously unkempt at the ends.