The Wapauwe Mosque ridge finials (cencingan in Javanese), which can be seen at
the eight corners of the roof, are unique architectural features. They are made from
red wood (kayu merah) and are carved with Arabic writings “Allah”, “Muhammad”
and in some cases “Allah and Muhammad” together. They also depict a variety of
tendrils, leaves, plants, stars, fish, and various Maluku geometric motifs, whose
meanings are no longer known by Tukang 12. Additionally, the eight finials serve a
technical purpose, supporting the weight of the heavy roof trusses and beams.
The finials are covered with Nipah palm leaves (Nypa fruticans Wurmb) at the
bottom and Sago palm leaves (Metroxylon sago) in the upper part. They are circled
by two rattan rods secured with gamutu ropes made from aren palm fibers (Arenga
Pinnata). These rattan rods and gamutu ropes, tied in a cross pattern, have an
apotropaic function (pamali) to protect from evil influence.
