Ancestral Carvings

The Maquile people of the small island of Ataúro, Timor-Leste, have a distinctive tradition of wood carving. Originally, male and female figurines and dance masks were made to honour the clan ancestors. Carvings of mermaids and eels reflect the island’s fishing culture and its mythical creation from an eel living in the female sea, tasi feto, north of Timor island.

These animist themes were later influenced by Portuguese and Catholic attitudes. Over time, cloth was used to cover the genitals of figurines. Christ-like figurines also became popular. Today, young men from Ataúro carve small wooden figurines and sell them on the streets of Dili. These contemporary carvers are shaping the next phase of Ataúro carving.

Ancestral figurines Early 20th century Wood, cotton cloth and cord Maquile People, Maumeta village, Ataúro Island, Timor-Leste IND 01545 a & b	Mask 20th century Wood Maquile People, Ataúro Island, Timor-Leste Private Loan
Mask 20th century Wood Maquile People, Ataúro Island, Timor-Leste Private Loan	Figurine 2004 Wood and cotton cloth Maquile People, Ataúro Island, Timor-Leste IND 03015
Ancestor Figurine, male Late 19th – early 20th century Wood Maquile People, Ataúro Island, Timor-Leste IND 01116	Ancestor Figurine, female 20th century Wood and cotton cloth Maquile People, Maumeta village, Ataúro Island, Timor-Leste IND 01543
Mermaid 20th century Wood Maquile People, Ataúro Island, Timor-Leste IND 03016

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