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Bidu Lensu Mutin is a typical traditional dance from the community of the village of Suai Loro, Covalima Municipality. This dance is performed in cultural occasions such as welcoming guests, inauguration of sacred houses, “sau batar” (corn harvest festival), and “tara bandu”. The movement and every step of the dance is following-up by traditional arrangement of music. Using a kind of dry palm leaf to give the sound and rhythm, and traditional song with local dialect give harmonies to the dance. The dance have been passed from one generation to another and up to now it is still alive within the communities.

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Bidu Lensu Mutin is a typical traditional dance from the community of the village of Suai Loro, Covalima Municipality. This dance is performed in cultural occasions such as welcoming guests, inauguration of sacred houses, “sau batar” (corn harvest festival), and “tara bandu”. The movement and every step of the dance is following-up by traditional arrangement of music. Using a kind of dry palm leaf to give the sound and rhythm, and traditional song with local dialect give harmonies to the dance. The dance have been passed from one generation to another and up to now it is still alive within the communities. --- Tais, Timor-Leste’s traditional textile, is a cultural heritage that has been passed from the ancestors, from generation to generation. Tais has an important role in Timorese people’s life, starting from their birth until death. They use Tais to welcome guests, as well as to show their cultural identity and social class. It is also used as an object of value, for example, 'barlake' (dowry) which is given from family of bride to family of groom. Tais is used not only as an element to tighten the relationship between families, but also to pay penalty when people did not follow the rule within the community. Tais is traditional clothes, which has men's style and women's style. In Timor-Leste, Tais has a variety of colors and motifs varying by ethnic groups. These days, cultural creative industry using Tais with respect to the tradition, is also growing. Tais is made from cotton and natural plants are used to dye color. Production of Tais has been mainly done by women, since the past until now. Normally, Tais is woven manually using simple equipment such as 'atis', 'kida', and others. Process of producing Tais is complex and takes long time. Traditionally, Tais has been woven by individuals. However, some family members also contribute to mitigate the work of women weavers, such as in process of preparing cotton, 'kesi futus' (tie-dye) and dying cotton. These days, weavers also began to form groups to facilitate their weaving activities.

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A photograph of the Bidu Lensu-Mutin practitioners

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Photos of the Bidu Lensu-Mutin practitioners with their instructor

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A photo of dancers alongside the teams from NATCOM and SEAC.

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close-up photographs showcasing dancers adorned with traditional accessories.

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close-up photograph showcasing dancers adorned with traditional accessories.

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The young ladies are practicing the Bidu Lensu-Mutin in the houseyard.

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The young ladies are practicing the Bidu Lensu-Mutin in the houseyard.

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Young women from Suai-Loro, in the municipality of Covalima, perform the traditional Lensu-Mutin dance in a field under the shade of banyan trees.

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Young women from Suai-Loro, in the municipality of Covalima, perform the traditional Lensu-Mutin dance in a field under the shade of banyan trees.

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Young women from Suai-Loro, in the municipality of Covalima, perform the traditional Lensu-Mutin dance in a field under the shade of banyan trees.

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Young women from Suai-Loro, in the municipality of Covalima, perform the traditional Lensu-Mutin dance in a field under the shade of banyan trees.

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Young girls present the Bidu Lensu-Mutin during the second celebration of the National Day of Tais

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Bidu Lensu Mutin is a typical traditional dance from the community of the village of Suai Loro, Covalima Municipality. This dance is performed in cultural occasions such as welcoming guests, inauguration of sacred houses, “sau batar” (corn harvest festival), and “tara bandu”. The movement and every step of the dance is following-up by traditional arrangement of music. Using a kind of dry palm leaf to give the sound and rhythm, and traditional song with local dialect give harmonies to the dance. The dance have been passed from one generation to another and up to now it is still alive within the communities.

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Before the dance begins, the dancers join hands, symbolizing unity and teamwork.

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Photos of the Bidu Lensu-Mutin practitioners with their instructor

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The traditional attire of the Dansa-Lensu-Mutin, complemented by traditional accessories.

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close-up photographs showcasing dancers adorned with traditional accessories.

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close-up photograph showcasing dancers adorned with traditional accessories.

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The young ladies are practicing the Bidu Lensu-Mutin in the houseyard.

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The young ladies are practicing the Bidu Lensu-Mutin in the houseyard.

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The young ladies are practicing the Bidu Lensu-Mutin in the houseyard.

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Young women from Suai-Loro, in the municipality of Covalima, perform the traditional Lensu-Mutin dance in a field under the shade of banyan trees.

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Young women from Suai-Loro, in the municipality of Covalima, perform the traditional Lensu-Mutin dance in a field under the shade of banyan trees.

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Young women from Suai-Loro, in the municipality of Covalima, perform the traditional Lensu-Mutin dance in a field under the shade of banyan trees.

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Young women from Suai-Loro, in the municipality of Covalima, perform the traditional Lensu-Mutin dance in a field under the shade of banyan trees.

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Young girls present the Bidu Lensu-Mutin during the second celebration of the National Day of Tais