DILI, 13 November 2025 (TATOLI) — The Government of Timor-Leste on Wednesday launched the Traditional Tais Graphic Exhibition, highlighting Tais Don, a traditional textile from Viqueque that will represent the country at the 2026 Venice Biennale in Italy.
The piece was created by 95-year-old master weaver Dona Verónica Pereira Maia, who was honored during the ceremony. The event was organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sports, Arts and Culture in partnership with the State Secretariat for Arts and Culture (SEAC), and attended by Loredana Pazzini-Paracciani, curator of the 2026 Venice Biennale.
Born in Covalima, Dona Verónica has dedicated her life to preserving the art of Tais. After seeking refuge in Portugal in 1975, she later settled in Australia, where she continues her work. Through her weavings, she commemorates the victims of the Indonesian occupation and the 1991 Santa Cruz Massacre.
Recognized by the Timorese government as a guardian of national heritage, she is celebrated for “inspiring new generations to value and protect their cultural identity.” During her stay in Portugal, she also restored twelve Tais pieces from various municipalities, including Tais Don.
Minister Nelyo Isaac Sarmento emphasized that Tais Don holds unique cultural significance and is reserved for special occasions. “We officially received it today and will ensure its preservation,” he said during the ceremony at Praia dos Coqueiros in Díli.
He added that the Biennale curator is studying ways to best present the piece as a symbol of Timor-Leste’s cultural identity at the global art event. “Many developed countries struggle to secure a place at the Venice Biennale, but Timor-Leste, through the dedication of its people and government support, has achieved this milestone,” he said.
“Our participation is not just about winning awards—it’s about showing the world that Timor-Leste is a multicultural nation,” the minister stressed.
Gregório Saldanha, President of the 12 November Committee, expressed gratitude to Dona Verónica, recalling that after the Santa Cruz Massacre, she created five Tais pieces bearing the names of the young victims. “Each color and thread symbolized pain, blood, and hope,” he said.
“These Tais not only represent our cultural identity but also reflect the struggle and suffering of our youth,” he added, urging SEAC to preserve cultural documents related to the country’s independence martyrs.
Curator Loredana Pazzini-Paracciani noted that the Timorese pavilion will define the nation’s identity at the Biennale. “Dona Verónica’s work, created in 1996, is a unique artistic expression combining text, patterns, and organic forms,” she said.
The Venice Biennale, founded in 1895, is one of the world’s most prestigious contemporary art events, featuring exhibitions, performances, and installations by artists from around the globe.
Journalist: Camilio de Sousa
Editor: Filomeno Martins
