Symbols – Tais, Houses, Cock

Tais

The traditional woven cloth called tais includes patterns that are the written transmission of the traditions of the particular region in which they are made.  Tais are highly cherished especially in the exchange of dowries. Local people best interpret the design and the finesse of the artist.

Houses

The tall houses common in the east of Timor are of ancient design.  The roof is reserved to the gods and spirits of the ancestors, the middle section is for the living people, while the lower section is for the nature spirit and is normally occupied by the animals.

The Uma Lulik is a sacred house.  Although there are different beliefs celebrated  in different areas, it is considered to be the place to solve problems in the family or the local area and for celebration involving weddings and funerals.

The Cock

Roosters are admired in Timor because of their courage and perseverance, and cock-fighting occurs regularly.  The courage of a man is sometimes compared with that of a cock, while a coward is called a hen.  It is common to see mountain men carrying cocks under their arms as  precious possessions.  Many tais  designs include the cock.