Enlivened by warm colors and zoomorphic motifs, this textile's nine-field arrangement exemplifies the east Sumbanese weaving tradition. The triangular paru aung pattern, usually found on the head and foot of a cloth, is said to represent the tail of a rooster but is also symbolic of family ties.
Chickens are like the general village population whose behaviours are on public display.
Roosters also represent bravery. Their call helps in avoiding danger. The feline mahan is either a lion or a tiger. Since neither animal is endemic in Sumba and both were known only via representations on imported Indian textiles and foreign coins, there is great variation in their depiction and little or no distinction between them. They are usually shown rampant and represent power and courage.