This spinning wheel once belonged to a weaver named Tamu Rambu Yuliana from Rindi, in eastern Sumba. It was used by women to spin cotton thread used to weave hinggi (a large mantle worn by men) and lau (a tube skirt worn by women) prior to their marriage. These would be given by her family to the prospective groom’s family during the marriage negotiations. The two figures are meant to represent the first couple who are the progenitors of all humans.
