This is a traditional tubular sarong for formal occasions, made of cotton fabric colored with vegetable dyes. The fabric is embroidered with gilded threads over the woven stripes. The gilded thread used for embroidery was imported from India or China. Such tubular sarongs, along with wrap-around skirts, are traditional clothing commonly found throughout Southeast Asia.

Sumba women wear traditional garments comprising a tubular sarong and a shawl. Among accessories for special occasions are tortoiseshell combs, bracelets of beads or ivory, gold or silver necklaces, and daggers. Textile for the clothing is made from cotton fabric, and patterns are made by ikat and figured weaving techniques.

This is a necklace from Karo Batak, a branch of the Batak people. This type of necklace has been worn by women in the ruling classes for traditional wedding ceremonies as a symbol of their wealth and authority. The exhibit was crafted in the middle of the 20th century and is made from gilded silver, but such necklaces are said to have originally been made of gold.

Weaving work in Akha is exclusively done by women. Akha women use treadle looms for weaving. The weaver stands by the extended warp threads, and moves gradually forward as the weaving progresses.