In New Guiana, the locals within villages do not typically wear western attire, opting instead for their unique style of clothing. The males possess a traditional clothing item called a Kate, also referred to as a pen's sheath, which is designed to cover their genitals. These Kate are produced by men from specially cultivated gourds grown within the village. The size of the gourd varies depending on the activity in which the men partake, with longer gourds used for special events and ceremonies, while shorter ones suffice for daily activities like work or hunting. While the dimensions of the gourd bear no significance regarding social standing within the village, various tribal groups vary in the design and way they wear their Kate. Gourds have a natural round shape and are elongated by adding st
...ring and rocks to the bottom of the growing gourd. Curved shapes are fashioned using string to redirect the gourd's growth direction. The ripe gourd is cut to size and hollowed out using tools before being dried in a small fire. Straps made of woven fibers are then added to wrap around the waist and scrotum. Different tribes use distinct decorative items such as feathers, beads, and cowry shells to ornament their Kate.
The Kate sold to tourists are ornate and brightly painted, but do not accurately represent the traditional male genital coverings worn by some tribesmen in Papua New Guinea called Kate. Depending on the tribe, the shape and wearing style of Kate can vary: some are elongated in a straightened manner with a simple technique of weighing them down with rocks, while others have a unique curved shape tha
requires more time and effort to create. These genital coverings are made from specially grown gourds, which are manipulated with weights and string during growth. Kate are typically decorated with feathers, beads, and cowry shells, and may feature a simple woven strap like the one on this example. Flashy and painted Kate are marketed to tourists but are not authentic representations of the traditional garments. Longer Kate are worn for special occasions and ceremonies, while shorter ones are used for everyday wear or for working in fields or hunting.
Papua New Guineans have their own unique traditional clothing. One particular item worn by males is the Kate, also known as a penis sheath. This philanthropy covers the genitals and is made by men using tools based on its intended use. They create representations of the ones they wear, and longer ones are used for ceremonies while shorter ones are used for working in fields or hunting.
