Siberut Island shields are distinguished by their tapering lower end and curving middle portion that flares into a broad upper section. A coconut shell fastened to a circular opening in the center of the shield protects the warrior’s hand.

In the distant past, medallions with embossed decoration like this one were probably given to warriors as a hunting trophy for each severed head.

Trade items and local goldwork are harmoniously combined in this necklace, which is more Western in form than most Indonesian jewelry. The beads probably originated in East Timor.

In contrast to ordinary mangles, this one is elaborately decorated with relief carved human figures and birds and incised geometric patterns. The human figures represent the weaver's forebears, who passed their skills down the generations. They protected her as she created potent motifs on powerful textiles.

The elegant grip of this dagger is ornamented in the middle by a thickened ridge and ends in a spiral that may represent a coiled millipede or the tightly wound coil of an unopened fern.