Traditional Rare Yokal Women’s Skirt – Orchid Fiber, Dani Highlands, West Papua (Field Collected 1950s) This exceptional Yokal skirt is a rare and authentic example of traditional women’s dress from the Dani people of the highlands of West Papua. Field-collected in the 1950s, it originates from a period when the Baliem Valley and surrounding regions were still largely untouched by outside influence — making genuine early pieces like this increasingly scarce. The Yokal is made entirely from hand-prepared orchid fiber, a material valued for its durability, fine texture, and cultural significance. Creating such a garment required meticulous craftsmanship: harvesting the orchid roots, extracting the fibers, softening them, and weaving them into the layered form characteristic of Dani women’s attire. This particular Yokal shows the rich patina of use and age, carrying with it the history of the woman who once wore it. It reflects the deep-rooted traditions of the Papuan highland communities — traditions marked by resilience, symbolism, and an intimate relationship with the natural world. For collectors of Oceanic and Papuan tribal art, this is a truly rare opportunity. Authentic Yokal skirts from the mid-20th century seldom appear on the market, and even less so in this original, untouched condition. Origin: Dani area, Highlands of West Papua Date: Field collected 1950s Material: Orchid fiber (Yokal) Rarity: Very scarce early piece A culturally significant artifact, powerful in its simplicity and beauty — and an important addition to any serious collection. A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums Sold by Koos Knol, ethnographer and anthropologist, dealer of Papua Tribal Art for more than 30 years, expert and author of the book “Papua Blues”, written in Dutch. (Maybe in English next year.)  Published end of October 2024 A book about inside stories, a book that deals with the many encounters with special people in West Papua, the impressive experiences that the author has, about special encounters with men and women who tell him about secret things, about ethnographic objects and initiate him into the rituals and ceremonies. A must have for collectors, ethnographers, ethnologists, anthropologists and museums Google: Papua Blues Koos Knol