Field Recordings

Lakadou from Ros Dunlop on Vimeo.

The lakadou is a tubed bamboo zither, often played to accompany tebe dai. Played here by Manuel Pereira and Pedro Tilman.

 

Suai Likurai from Ros Dunlop on Vimeo.

The likurai is unique to the district of Suai. It is a Form of the tebedai, danced in Kovalima and
accompanied by instruments. Liku means to shake the upper body. These dancers are from Kamanasa.

 

Tebe Dai Ho Letra from Ros Dunlop on Vimeo.

Tebe Dai Ho Letra from Motohoi sub-district of Uatalari – the headdress worn by these dancers is called Manu Fulon.

 

Grupu Rebenta from Ros Dunlop on Vimeo.

Grupu Rebenta dancing a dahur known as Lae Hali Lae – normally Dahur is only accompanied by singing, this group often has baba dooks (drums) and tala (gongs) accompanying their dance.

 

Drummers of Makili
The Tihak is a large drum which is used to accompany the songs of the fishermen. It is only found in the village of Makili on the island of Ataúru.

Pankalalále – Oekusi
Villagers from Kutet singing the Pankalalále, traditionally sung by the family of the deceased as they prepare the funeral feast.

Rama
The Rama is a musical bow, found only on the island of Ataúru. There are two main tunes played, the slower one played as the musician walks along the road to work in the fields, and the faster one to accompany tebe dai (traditional dance). Played here by Clemente Forces.

Tohin
Is a cylindrical drum which stands on the ground. It is found in the mountain regions of Timor, and is regarded as an instrument of ritual, it is usually played by a relay of drummers as it takes a lot of strength to play it

Semai
This is a Fataluku war song from the time before Portuguese colonisation. Neighbouring tribes would sometimes raid each other’s villages and steal riches such as livestock. In response to these attacks, warriors from the village invaded would go and take, as punishment, a member of the pillaging party and bring them back to their village. The offender’s throat would be cut and the head removed. The men would then place the head on the ground, form a moving circle and sing this song, Semai.
Sung here by Osme Gonçalves.