Local origin stories describe the discovery of mokos buried in the ground, and it is still common to hear of moko being uncovered in this way. In The  People of Alor, American anthropologist Cora Du Bois describes people burying mokos in hidden locations to avoid surrendering them to creditors or lending them to relatives.
Local narratives and traditions describe the discovery of mokos buried underground, and this practice is still observed today. Anthropologist Cora Du Bois's research on "The People of Alor" highlights how people conceal mokos from creditors and relatives.