DILI, 14 december 2023 (TATOLI) – Women members of the National Parliament have expressed their appreciation for the Women Tais Weavers in Timor-Leste in connection with National Tais Day, calling on the government to continue promoting Tais, Timorese intangible heritage, to the world.
“Before serving as a member of the National Parliament, I was the Executive Secretary of the National Commission of the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) of Timor-Leste for the creation of the Secretariat of State for Art and Culture to present our Tais at UNESCO to give its approval as material cultural heritage. In the end, UNESCO gave its recognition in the last two years,” Cedélizia dos Santos, a member of the CNRT, told Tatoli in the National Parliament.
The legislative member called on the Timorese, either man or woman, to use the Tais to promote intangible heritage and cultural identity and increase the income of women Tais weavers.
“We don’t agree with the use of photocopied Tais (printing Tais). When using Tais photocopies, it will not promote the wisdom or knowledge of Soru Tais women in the country. Therefore, we urge the government to control Tais photocopying in the markets,” she explained.
Cedelizia dos Santos added that, as a member of parliament, she will present a proposal to the National Parliament to wear Tais clothing for all members of parliament, particularly during the plenary session on monday, adding that the National Parliament wants to set an example for other sovereign bodies in the country.
“I think Tais National Day is significant for our country because the international community has recognized Tais Timor as an intangible cultural heritage value. Therefore, we call on the government to continue promoting Tais in the neighboring country of Indonesia, namely in the cities of Kupang and Atambua, where the Tais models of Timor-Leste have not been copied,” she said.
The Member of Parliament asked the government to award Women Tais Weaver the right to dignify their contributions to Timor-Leste’s identity through recognition by the international community.
MoP Nurima Alkatiri recommended that the government value women Tais weavers by awarding them for their contribution to producing, preserving, and promoting
For her part, MP Anabela Sávio revealed that National Tais Day is like Timor-Leste’s cultural identity.
“We call on my women friends throughout the country to continue promoting our Tais in the international world and to call on the government to dignify Soru Tais women,” she suggested.
She also pointed out that, as a member of parliament, she will propose to the President of the National Parliament that the use of Tais clothing be scheduled and discussed in the National Parliament.
For his part, the Secretary of State for Art and Culture, Jorge Soares Cristóvão, said that today is National Tais Day in Timor-Leste due to UNESCO’s recognition.
“Our Tais is a world heritage. That’s why the government intends to continue preserving the Tais. In the afternoon, we have a Tais march from the Presidential Palace to the Dili Convention Center with the participation of students from the Dili Institute of Technology, Peace University, including the staff of the Secretary of State for Art and Culture,” he said.
He also pointed out that over the last few days, various recreational and informational activities have already taken place related to the protection and enhancement of traditional Timorese fabric.
“Currently, the government is still cooperating with the Soru Tais women’s groups along with national and international partners who have given maximum support to the promotion of Tais both nationally and in the international world,” he stated.
Journalist: José Berlamino de Sá
Editor: Rafael Ximenes de A. Belo
