Known as tais maruka, this textile is a three-part tubular skirt worn by young women during traditional ceremonies in the Malaka regency of Timor. The primary motif is called pean babof, which means popped corn. A staple food in these hot, dry areas, several types of heirloom corn seed are planted before each rainy season. The motif serves as a reminder of the importance of this food source.The deep rust-red is typical of textiles from this region, and achieving it requires mastery of the time consuming red dye and mordanting techniques. The th