This funerary stele, known as a ‘penji’, indicates status in East Sumba and would have been placed next to the tomb of a high ranking individual.The carved human figures are said to represent slaves and personal attendants whose spirits are believed to accompany the deceased at the funeral. The marine animals are said to symbolise the noble birth of the deceased. They also speak of the maritime links to imported wealth and goods such as the prestigious ‘patola’ cloth (a double ‘ikat’ silk textile made in Gujarat, India). Penji also comes in different regional styles.
