Local Products, Arts and crafts in Timor Leste

Local Products, Arts and crafts

Timorese are very creative with their unique style and workmanship.

Their most famous handicrafts are tais (traditional hand woven fabrics), many of which are sought by serious collectors. Tais are produced in different colours and designs depending on the community where they are made. Tais can be bought as single pieces, and the fabric is also used to make modern garments, bags and even shoes. Other attractive arts and handicrafts include finely-woven baskets and mats, paintings, pottery, jewelry, hand-made paper, dolls and intricately embroidered bags, musical instruments, metal knives and wood carvings. Locally purchased arts and crafts make a wonderful gift and can be readily sourced from handicraft shops, roadside stalls and at local markets throughout Timor-Leste.  It’s also worth checking listings in the local print and social media to find out about painting and photo exhibitions, where you can not only purchase an original work of art, but meet the artists and hear their stories.  Many of their works are inspired by ancient culture and the struggle for independence. One of the joys of travelling in the districts is when you come across local people creating beautiful items such as weaving cane ware, working a back-strap loom or carving figurines. Be on the lookout for other local products, too, such as coconut oil, soap honey and spices.