TIMOR FURAK
The Democratic Republic of East Timor is a country in Southeast Asia consisting of the eastern half of the island of Timor, hence its name, surrounded by West Timor under Indonesian sovereignty. Its capital, Dili, is the largest city and main port. Portuguese colony from 1596, East Timor was annexed by Indonesia in 1975. The country seceded in 1999 and acquired full independence on 20 May 2002. Timor is an island in the Indonesian archipelago, east of the small Sunda islands. It is bordered to the south by the Timor Sea and separated to the north by the Banda Sea.
The country is quite mountainous and Mount 'Tatamailau' is the highest point of East Timor with its 2,963 meters. The climate of the country is tropical, hot and humid, characterized by a dry season and a rainy season. It is one of only two predominantly Catholic countries in Asia. The national language is Tetum, an Austronesian language with Portuguese influences.
The national folk ensemble "Timor Furak", founded in 2006, is today one of the most popular groups in the country due to its traditional dances. The group has performed in various countries including Macau, Spain, Turkey, China and Australia, offering a wide selection of their music and Timorese dances.
'Likurai' is a folk dance performed by women who welcome the return of men after the war. 'Tebe Liku Rai' is performed by eight to sixteen women lined up in two rows with small drums under the armpit and two men are in the middle with a sword in hand, shaking it in the air, while the women dance and play their small drums. "Valsa Manatuto Dance" is a popular dance of the Timorese society, which originated in the district of Manatuto and encompasses various dances, performed in circles, squares, lines or pairs. It is a mix of modern and postmodern dances, including "Suru Boek", "Sintidu", "Padikatri" and "Dansa Kali".
The 'Tebe' or 'the intention to dance' is traditionally performed in all Timorese houses at evening parties, animist celebrations, during the harvest season or the opening of a sacred house (lubik) hence the rhythmic dance 'Tebedai' known throughout the island of Timor. The dance of 'Hime Kami' is known as the 'freedom' dance despite the fact that it was inspired by colonialism, drawing its origin from the invasion of Japan in Timor. The kakoak bird, symbol of courage and emblematic of East Timor, is present in the dance "kakoak", expressing the return of a Timorese to their home, celebrating victory after the battle while thanking spirits and souls for their assistance.
East Timor plays an important role in the international market for coffee production. The dance 'Ku Kafe' meaning 'the coffee harvest' is performed before the harvest is carried out and it expresses the farmers' expectation of a beautiful harvest that will earn money to feed the family. East Timor has maintained cultural links with former colonies, such as Portugal. The Portuguese folk dance has remained the most popular in the hearts of the Timorese. It is performed by couples dressed in the traditional costume of Portuguese ancestors, accompanied by guitars and tambourines.
No doubt that this small country will bring you wealth and freshness.
