A symbol of high rank and wealth, gold jewellery in the outer islands of Indonesia also has deep connections with the ancestors. Among the Ngada people of central Flores, ornaments like this taka pendant are an important part of a clan’s heirloom treasure. Imbued with sacred properties and protective value, takas are worn by men and women as they partake in major ritual ceremonies such as those pertaining to births, circumcision, bride exchanges, the completion of a newly constructed traditional house, and funerals. As befitting their status as sacred objects, takas were removed from the heirloom store and exposed to sunlight only after being anointed with the blood of an animal sacrifice and permissions had been sought from the ancestors.

Video: Traditional house dedication ceremony