The metals so artfully applied to the surface of Kota reliquary sculpture were chosen because their great value honored the ancestors with the most precious materials available. Given that the technical skills required to smelt metals were identified with esoteric knowledge and spiritual intercession, the catalyst for their creation was identified with exceptional creativity. The process of composing the figurative elements was largely an additive one in which brass, copper, and iron were layered and affixed to a wood sculpture. Metal pounded into flat sheets was cut and applied to the surface. Often artists skillfully combined different metals in order to highlight specific features with contrasting colors.