Originally painted white, this old and well used mask’s long sallow face with its parted mouth, bared teeth, and a jutting chin evoke the sly and menacing persona of Indai guru’, a female spirit that lurks in lofts and along the far reaches and edges of the longhouse.

Long ago among the Tanimbarese, the krai silai (great sword), was the most impressive of all weaponry. The handles of such swords were usually composed of wood and bone and decorated with carved spiral patterns.

This bronze casting is composed of three elements. The first is a central crouched figure that probably represents a priest, healer, or fabled ancestor. Each is an intermediary empowered to straddle and navigate the worlds of men, god, and spirits.

The design elements on combs are similar to those on gold ornaments; however, combs are usually made from less precious materials. The inlay for this comb was carved from the ribs of a water buffalo.

A pair of stylized dog-tigers  (aso’lejau) is carved in low relief on this pivot-style door. The door’s handle serves as the body shared by both animals.

The heart-shaped face, circular eyes, and expressive open mouth of this figure are in the tradition of the Dongson culture of Vietnam (c. 600 BCE– 100 CE).

Whether this shield’s imagery records real events or is simply the product of an artist’s lively imagination is unknown. The meanings of the colors and some of the motifs, however, can be interpreted. The cardinal points are represented by four elemental colors.