Considering that in general the population was economically better off in these parts, it can be readily understood why it was that gold and silver thread3 were worked into the fabrics.

Already in the earliest times objects were decorated with dry fruit, and stories from fruit, which lent themselves to this purpose by reason of their colour and luster; in addition flat polished pieces of various kinds of shell, called nassa discs, were also popular. But as well as ornaments made from natural substances, there was a vogue for beads made from other materials. Glass beads were held in particularly high esteem; they were originally imported from Venice in tile 15th century, and later mainly from Germany.

With their pronounced sense of colour, the Dayaks more than any other tribe appreciate glass beads, and have used them various ways. The Bataks also understand the art of working coloured beads into fabrics. Several methods of doing this are known. Easily recognizable are those on strings: tile beads are strung, and then the strings of beads are fastened on to a backing. These beads have occasionally replaced nassa discs, and thus the magic significance which attached to the latter has been transferred to the beads. This is-some times the case with those on strings. Originally the shells from which nassa discs were taken served the purpose of currency.

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