Women’s Contribution to Timor-Leste’s Art and Culture

Abstract

This thesis examines and reflects upon the changes and development of Timor-Leste’s arts and cultural discourse from its pre-colonial origins to the present day, especially the influence and contribution of East Timorese women in the areas of textiles, basketry, ceramics and the performance arts. The research is conducted from the researcher’s active position as a Timorese female visual artist, providing a new perspective on the existing discourse, which has sidelined the practices of female visual artists.