The common bond between these three motives is that each is recognized merely by speculation based on the methods Williams uses in similar instances.
TOHT'S LEITMOTIF
Toht, the nervously mumbling German that becomes the Nazi's human map to the Ark, is usually announced with a brass fanfare in the minor mode. This short leitmotif, which Williams varies each time he uses it, accompanies several of Toht's entrances. This is similar to the brass leitmotif for the Empire in the original Star Wars (1977), heard mainly when a location shot of the Death Star is shown or when Darth Vader comes on screen. The sharp tone of the trumpets gives a sense of power while the minor modality of the motive sends an immediate reference of evil. In Raiders, the brass motive is heard first on-board the plane to Nepal as Toht stares over his newspaper at the hero across the way. The next cue is when Toht enters Marion's bar. Here is where the audience first learns of his plans to steal the Medallion and the motive fits perfectly as Toht steps out of the darkness of the doorway and into the light. The final cue is in the desert as he walks up to the screen and displays the tattoo of the Medallion's face. The motive plays loudly and leads into the next scene.THE MEDALLION HYPOTHESIS
The Medallion hypothesis is in reference to the cue just after Indiana leaves Marion's bar and she pulls the Medallion out of her shirt. Now it would seem apparent that this cue plays as a theme for the Medallion, however, the music is not heard again throughout the rest of the film and it could easily be seen as incidental music. The problem I have with this is the distictiveness, and seemingly purposeful drive, in the music. Much of Williams's themes are very recognizable; there is a clear cut difference in his themes and in his accompanying incidental music. Whereas his themes are usually very melodic and lyrical, his incidental music is very percussive. This cue definitely falls into the form of his themes. Yet if we call it a theme, we must realize that this is the only time he uses it in the entire film. All other prize moments are directed at the Ark itself. The Medallion's cue is ended when she puts the item back in her shirt and attends to her chores about the bar.