Common to all known uli figures is the depiction of male and female sexual characteristics as well as the striking head with lifelike eyes made from the operculum of a turbo snail. With regard to their significance, much remains uncertain to this day: the figures were the focus of large ceremonies and, unlike the works of art made for Malanggan ceremonies, were carefully preserved and reused many times. They probably served to honour important deceased persons, to whom, in addition to the qualities of strength and power considered to be male, the nourishing and sustaining abilities considered to be female were also ascribed. Uli figures were not made for single individuals, but received new painting and eyes before the ceremonies, which were often far apart in time, before they returned to the men's houses. A special feature of this uli figure is another figure held in front of the chest. The design of this small figure corresponds in essential aspects to the main character; its meaning is unclear. Text: Ulrich Menter