Origin. (TL Indigenous Accessories)
Origin is a captivating body of work that explores into the philosophy of Timorese cultural accessories, which are integral to the identity of Timor Leste. This project serves as a mighty reminder that each nation on this earth has its own deeply rooted history passed down from generation to generation. Throughout history, many cultures and tribes have faced the threat of cultural extinction due to various factors such as colonisation, war, and globalisation. Origin is work that still on-going process project to serves as a poignant example of the importance of protecting and preserving cultural heritage for the benefit of future generations. It's a testament to the resilience of cultures and the need to honour and celebrate their unique traditions.
Kaibauk
A kaibauk is a traditional Timorese symbol of authority of the Liurai (Timorese reguli), worn as a crown by men as well as by women. It is a silver crescent and sometimes there is another crescent above it. The crescent is a picture of the horns of a water buffalo (Bubalus arnee - Bovidæ). The Kaibauk originates in the ancient Timorese animistic religion. -Source: https://www.hubert-herald.nl/TimorLeste.htm
Tais
A traditional textile in Timor-Leste, by using a wooden waving machine and various colours of plant-dyed threads.
Tais is made from cotton, the cotton is dyed with different plant leaves, roots, and parks to give multiple colours.
At cultural ceremonies, Tais is used as a gift to show respect and appreciation towards guests and make traditional costumes for both women and men.
Normally it takes a few days, or even months to complete one piece of Tais, depends on the size and patterns. Each pattern and colours symbolise nature and animals, differs from municipalities.
In some areas, Tais is considered as an obligation for woman to know how to weave Tais before marriage. As when woman can manage to weave Tais it means they are mature enough to solve any problem and has patience to nurture their family.
There are motifs in the Tais that hold a cultural meaning of a story.
Tais for daily life and ceremony are different and some motifs are limited to social classes like the individual that is considered as a king, chief of village worn a different motif that has many lines in the Tais such from Line 4 above.
Kelu
This type of bracelet is called “Kelu”. It is made from silver metal.
According to history that, long time ago when a man wants to propose a woman, a man had to bring a pair of these “Kelu” as a sign of intention to marry the woman with dignity.
Luhu
Luhu is a type of small basket that is used to pass around things that we want to serve or give to each other. For example, for money, betel nuts, betel leaf, limestone powder, or anything else that we want to pass around, we can use Luhu as a medium. We call it “Lo’ok” luhu. It is used in traditional customs or daily life.
Belak
Belak is a circular metal plate delicately crafted from thin, gleaming metal, intricately engraved with ornate patterns that symbolise unity and connection. This elegant piece is designed to serve as the captivating centrepiece of a necklace, captivating the beholder with its intricate details and graceful beauty.
