Introduction
 
I.
The collection and the collectors
 
II.
Maluku Tenggara
 
III.
Boat symbolism
Bringing order to the world
The message of boat symbolism
The forming of a family
The boat-building ritual
The forming of society
The house-building ritual
 
IV.
Fertility, status and ancestors
 
V.
Portraying ancestors
 
VI.
The first ancestors
Founding mothers from Lakor
Plank statues from Damar
Tanimbar family shrines
Village founders of Kai
Owners and guardians
 
VII.
Later ancestors
Western Maluku Tenggara
Eastern Maluku Tenggara
 
VIII.
Gods portrayed
Symbols of heaven and earth
The renewal of creation
 
IX.
Literature
 
X.
Links to other sites
 
XI.
Colophon
 
XII.
Ask the curator