DILI, 12 december 2022 (TATOLI) – The Government of Timor-Leste, Tais weavers, students, and the communities celebrate the first anniversary of Tais as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.
Timor-Leste’s national traditional textile, known as ‘Tais’ was classified as the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO on december 14, 2021.
Following the announcement of Tais as the Intangible Cultural Heritage, the National Parliament issued and approved a parliamentary resolution to declare december 14 as National Tais Day, to promote, protect, and preserve Timor-Leste’s Tais.
The commemoration of the National Tais Day was organized by the Intergovernmental Committee for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage (KOMNAS PKI TL) with the theme: “Hau Nia Tais, Hau Nia Identidade (Tais is my identity).”
Tais weavers from 13 municipalities, including RAEOA, would participate in the 3-day Tasi Exhibition at the Dili Convention Centre. Several types of Tais and weaving techniques from different municipalities would be exhibited at the celebration.
Besides, several important activities would also be organized to celebrate the special day, including a seminar on Tais, a painting competition, a traditional music demonstration, a traditional dance presentation, etc.
The Director General of the Secretary of State for Arts and Culture (SEAK), Manuel Ximenes Smith said that the celebration of National Tais Day is important to raise awareness in the communities for the protection and preservation of Tais.
Smith said that the Government of Timor-Leste, through SEAC, had drafted the National Urgent Safeguard Plan of Tais for 2022-2025 which will enable each ministry to play a role in preserving the Tais: “So, each ministry will assign responsibilities and tasks to take part in the protection and preservation of Tais. For instance, the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Culture (MoESC) and SEAC have been conducting research to write a book on Tais which will be published on december 14.”
“SEAC is preparing to establish a permanent Tais Exhibition Centre for Tais weavers to demonstrate the traditional process of making Tais: Thus, young people will have the opportunity to learn how to wave Tais,” Smith said.
Smith called on all communities, including students, government members, public and private employees, and ordinary people to wear Tais on december 14 to celebrate National Tais Day.
he said a proposal for financial assistance, in the value of 265 thousand dollars for the preservation of Tais was also approved following the recognition of Timor-Leste’s Tais as an Intangible Culture Heritage.
The government of Timor-Leste allocated more than US$30.000 for the celebration of National Tais Day.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
