The lifestyle of the indigenous community of the Malaysian Peninsular and Borneo of the early 20th century is captured in a series of photographs taken by William Louis Abbott (1860-1936) during his travels to the region. The architecture styles of the various housing and the day-to-day activities of the various communities are documented in the ethnographic photographs which Abbott compiled in albums. 

    Aside from taking photographs, Abbott also collected objects and materials and baskets were one of his chief interests. In his letters to the curators of the Smithsonian Institution, he mentioned his fascination for baskets and the manufacturing techniques and materials used in the basketwork deployed by the people in Borneo. Other objects collected in this region included personal items used for healing purposes and tools used in daily activities.