Lani

Who are the Lani?

The Lani are an indigenous group from the highlands of Papua in Indonesia, mainly found in the regencies of Puncak and Lanny Jaya. While sometimes grouped with the Dani people by outsiders, the Lani have their own identity, language, and traditions. Their society is held together by shared customs, farming practices, and distinctive dress. The Lani are known for their koteka (penis gourd) worn by men and bark skirts worn by women, which carry social and cultural meanings.

Where do the Lani live?

The Lani live in the mountainous regions of Central Papua and Highland Papua, particularly in the Puncak and Lanny Jaya regencies. Their homeland is characterized by valleys and highlands, with villages often located on fertile land suitable for farming. The landscape is lush and supports the crops and traditional lifestyles of the Lani people.

What language do the Lani speak?

The Lani speak the Lani language, and some also use Upper Dani and Indonesian. Their language is a key part of their identity and daily life. The sources do not provide detailed information on the current state or vitality of the Lani language.

How do the Lani live?

Farming is central to Lani life. They cultivate crops in the fertile valleys of their homeland. Traditional houses and tools are adapted to the highland environment. The Lani are also known for their distinctive clothing: men wear the koteka, a penis gourd that can be large and is sometimes used to hold valuables, while women wear bark skirts in various colors. The direction and style of the koteka can indicate social status or personal history.

How is Lani society organised?

Lani society is organized around farming communities and traditional customs. Social status can be shown through dress, especially the koteka. The direction a koteka points and its size can signal whether a man is a virgin, a noble, or a descendant of a war chief. Women’s skirts are made from bark and dyed in bright or natural colors. The sources do not detail clan structure, marriage, or leadership, but dress and farming play key roles in social life.

What do the Lani believe?

The Lani practice a mix of Christianity and animism. Many converted to Christianity after contact with missionaries, but traditional beliefs and rituals remain important. Art and dress are significant: the koteka and bark skirts are not only practical but also carry ritual and social meanings. Color and style in clothing can reflect identity and status.

The history of the Lani

The first recorded European contact with the Lani was in October 1920, during the Central New Guinea Expedition. Explorers stayed with the Lani in the upper Swart River Valley (now Toli Valley). Later, missionaries such as John and Helen Dekker lived among the Lani and played a major role in the spread of Christianity. By their ministry, the Christian population among the Lani grew quickly. The Lani have often been misidentified as 'Western Dani' by outsiders, though they maintain a distinct identity.

Lani life today

Today, the Lani number about 200,000 and continue to live in Central and Highland Papua. Many are Christian, but traditional beliefs persist. They face pressures from outside influences and changes in their environment, but their culture, especially their dress and farming, remains strong. The Lani continue to be recognized as a distinct indigenous group in Papua.

Questions people ask about the Lani

Sources and further reading

• Lani people on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources above and checked automatically before publishing. It may contain mistakes, and it is no substitute for hearing from the Lani themselves. If something is wrong, tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.