Clothing and the history of a nation are one and the same. Its introduction is inseparable from ecological and geographic influences. For this reason traditional clothing can bespeak politics and power. On the small islands of Flores, Adonara, Lembata, Timor, Sumba, Savu, Rote, and a myriad others, weaving has become the main, worn fabric. Meanwhile, woven fabric is still used for traditional ceremonies, births, weddings, funerals, housewarmings, fertility prayers, and mid-harvest festivals (Pollock, 2012). In the TTS Regency of Mollo, woven fabric is worn as a public display of gratitude for assistance given by others, or when an agreement has been officiated and closed.

All activities affecting the lives of the Timorese, long ago and these days, cannot be seen apart from weaving. These days weaving is not only used for traditional ceremonies though, but it is used to indicate one’s conviction that the event being attended is of some importance. On the island of Timor, weaving is an identity.