Penis Sheath

MOA: University of British Columbia

2948/119 a-b

Penis sheath made of a straight bottle gourd. ‘Part a’ has pin-prick dots burned to form vertical and horizontal ‘lines’ on the bottom half. A band of bees wax encircles the sheath above this patterning over the top of a clean break, connecting it to the section above which is lighter in colour and without pattern. The top section (part b) has broken off, around which is a woven band of ruddy-brown rattan fibre placed near the opening. Yellow nylon fishing line is attached to the band.


  • Type of Item sheath
  • Culture Asmat
  • Material gourd fruit, plant fibre
  • Measurements height 23.0 cm, width 2.7 cm, depth 2.7 cm (overall)

  • Previous Owner Lorne Balshine
  • Received from Lorne Balshine

  • Made in Papua

  • Collection Date during 1980
  • Ownership Date before April 11, 2012
  • Acquisition Date on April 11, 2012

  • Condition poor
  • Accession Number 2948/0119 a-b