Staying true to their Animist past many Timorese/Atoni from the central highlands of West Timor create images that reflect the nature in the material (world).
The crocodile motif echoes throughout Timorese handcraft from the carvings to the textiles. Timor island is known to its inhabitants as the land of the sleeping crocodile and there are many legends throughout Timorese folklore that allude to the relationship of the Atoni and Besi.
Using age old techniques and tools that have changed little in the last 400 years the creators of these works of art have imbibed much of the Timorese spirit of independence and self-sufficiency in to each unique piece.
All items have been treated to AQIS standards.
Copyright Julie Emery 22/02/2022©