These are known as Ukur (statuary form) and are funerary items , also made in a textile form .
Chinese coins , called 'pis bolong' in Bali , are very common in the culture (both original and replica coins) there .
Loosely translated , the ukurs' purpose was to diagram the deseased persons' body systems to be sure that after rebirth , the dead persons' bones & nerves , etc. would be in the proper dimentions & arrangement .
Sometimes two were made , one for the cremation ceremony & one for a keepsake &/or to be buried with the dead guys' bones .
Rich Balanese folks would often use precious metals for the purpose ( & not bury or burn them) .
Ukur are typically made with 108 coins .
Cool & creepy statues , rspangler1 .
