Commentary

Mamuli are feminine symbols - and are used in Sumba as dowry-exchange items. In this case, the male's family offers mamuli to the wife's family. Textiles, incidentally, are dowry-exchange items, as well - but brought by the woman and offered to the man's family. Other male-to-female dowry-exchange items are live stock, gold and ivory objects. 

 

Click here for additional information on mamuli at the Metropolitan Museum of Art.