This textile feature horses motif and was woven using the 'ikat’ technique which 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 horse’s motif on this textile reflects their importance as they denote wealth and prestige in Sumba. Horses are part of the bridewealth gift exchange at a marriage, they accompany departed souls to the next world and also serve as sacrificial animals at funerals of high-ranking people.
