Indy’s Whip
Indy’s whip is symbolic of unbridled masculinity and self-reliance, something which Indy completely embodies in all four films in the series. He is a strong, hyper-masculine, and self-reliant character capable of destroying Nazis and evil religious cults alike.
Monkey Brains
The monkey brains which Indy and his crew eat are symbolic of the backwardness of India’s culture. Of course, this is a racist stereotype of the time, but the film uses the monkey brains as a way to tell viewers that India's people and its culture are backwards and disgusting.
The Stones
The stones that are mentioned in the film are phallic symbols (things that resemble a penis) and are symbolic of fertility.
Indy’s Music Theme
A common motif throughout all of the Indiana Jones films is John Williams’ legendary theme for Indiana Jones. Often, this theme is present in the film when Indy is doing something heroic.
Thuggee Chants
A common motif in the film is the Thugge chants aimed at Kali, a Hindu goddess. They are meant to inspire dread in not only viewers, but in the characters in the film who want desperately not to be turned by the evil cult.
