C1175 - A bit of whimsical fun from the carver. Lopos are the traditional daytime respite places for rural villagers.

A place to weave, carve, prepare the corn, watch the kids and chickens and rest whilst sharing stories.

Note the two figures inside representing the owners or guests as we are often greeted in the LOPO   local language UME q LOPO

15cm / 6" tall

6cm / 2.5" dia.

155g  /  5.5oz.

Fetish creations are part of the old religion of Timor. Animism still pervades the daily life of most villagers in the highlands of West Timor as can be seen in this sweet but meaningful carving.

You are welcome to combine items. I have finally located where ebay buries the COMBINE ITEMS function. So if you gather multiple treasures please wait until I invoice you to pay.

International buyers are welcome. Aus Post has returned the international 250gr parcel. This is great news as it is more economical to post small packets internationally now. YAY! A true shame that they have not done so for domestic.

I am Julie and have been collecting Timorese Treasures in the field since 1990 when I won a prize for overseas travel in a pub in Darwin [true]. I had no idea at the time that I had stumbled upon an Aladdin's cave of authentic traditional tribal textiles and treasures. I have been returning annually ever since [well most years] and been witness to many changes across the last 3 decades.

NOTE: We use recycled packaging and have to cover ebay's fees as they include postage/freight costs in their final fee [go figure!]

Clearly none of us are sure what will happen post COVID, if there is such a thing, but I do know that the villagers, carvers and weavers up in the mountains will be grateful when some outside dollars comes into their informal/circular economy. Therefore every purchase you choose to make with me will benefit the Atoni [people of West Timor] as soon as I can get back there.

I distribute reading glasses and nutritious food seeds as the soil in the western half of Timor is very poor and water a very precious resource. Please contact me if you wish to contribute.