Wehali: The Female Land

Wehali: The Female Land

Traditions of a Timorese Ritual Centre

Authored by: Tom Therik
 

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Description

Wehali defines itself as the ritual centre of the island of Timor. As a ritual centre, Wehali continues to be the residence of a figure of traditional authority on whom, in the 18th century, the Dutch conferred the title of Kaiser (Keizer) and to whom the Portuguese gave the title of Emperor (Imperador). At one time, Wehali was the centre of a network of tributary states, which both the Dutch and Portuguese regarded as paramount to the political organisation of the island. This book is a study of Wehali in its contemporary setting as it continues to maintain its rituals and traditions.

Significantly, Wehali is a ‘Female’ centre and its ‘Great Lord’ is considered to be a ‘Female’ lord. Whereas other Timorese societies are organised along male lines, in Wehali, all land, all property, all houses belong to women. Men are exchanged as husbands in marriage. Wehali is thus considered to be the ‘husband-giver’ to the surrounding realms on the island that look to its inner power as their source of life.

Details

ISBN (print):
9781760464844
ISBN (online):
9781760464851
Publication date:
Mar 2023
Imprint:
ANU Press
DOI:
http://doi.org/10.22459/WFL.2022
Series:
Comparative Austronesian Series
Disciplines:
Arts & Humanities: Cultural Studies; Social Sciences: Anthropology
Countries:
Pacific: Timor-Leste

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