This textile depicts a skull tree and was woven using the 'ikat’ technique, literally means ‘to tie’ whereby threads are first tied using resist strips such as palm leaf or other similar material to prevent the dye from colouring reserved areas of the threads prior to weaving.The skull tree used to serve as the focus of a great religious celebration during which the heads of captured enemies were hung on its branches.Locally woven textiles are an integral part in life-cycle rites in East Sumba. They function as exchange objects in marriages and used as shrouds to cover and protect the soul of the deceased. The quality and quantity of the textiles indicate the social status of the bride and the deceased person.
