Mani Luki’s expressive figures are distinct for their elongated heads, broad shoulders and splayed arms. Unlike most sculptors who relied upon a single piece of wood to fashion the entirety of their figures, Luki often attached separate lengths of wood to depict arms. Combined with large cat-like eyes and expressive faces, Luki’s figures appear highly animated as if poised to break into dance. Luki was widely travelled and encountered other artists and cultural groups, which may have influenced his artistic practice. Many of his figures wear belts, loin cloths or aprons similar to apparel worn by Macassans who made intermittent contact with Tiwi people while fishing for trepang.