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The hau teas shrine in front of a traditional houses in Timor is made from the root of a tree that has three branches. Each of the branch represents; god, nature and the ancestors

The buna wrap motif on this textile is called Atalae and represents a praying mantis. The Dawan people express ancestral images in their textiles in various forms. The atoni (human figure) and beso (frog) are depicted with outstretched arms and legs. The Atalae praying mantis has extended arms that can hold its prey and also a head that moves in an almost human way as it looks around. All of these images remind the people of the way of the ancestors, and speak both to maintaining ancestral customs and venerating the ancestors. For a weaver this is particularly important, for by weaving her clan motifs she continues to ’’bring down’’ knowledge to the people of the current generation - thus the stories, values and ethics that guide their way of life can be passed on.