ROYAL TIMOR
Kings, Rajas and Dynasties of Timor
Regalia
TRADITIONAL CLOTHES AND REGALIA OF THE WEST-TIMOR RAJAS.
By Donald P.Tick (gelar Raja Muda Kuno) - Vlaardingen, Holland
Clothing and Regalia are an integral part of royal courts, dynasties and chiefly families throughout history. They are strong traditional and social cultural aspects.
The rajas of the W-part of the island are known for their colourful and variety of clothes. Originally, they only were wearing one long piece of cloth around the waist, then another one covering half of the first one up and possible to open it, and another one around the waist as a sort of belt; covering the knot made up of the first one, which gives very special effect. Then, a long shawl like piece of cloth, from one up to right under of top part of the body.
The piece of cloth folded like a turban gives very special effect in terms of the presence of the wearer. Every geographic area has its own style. The raja has more (mostly) 3 styles for different occasions.
Their head is decorated in a prominent manner with a piece of cloth giving a crown like effect. This may not always be the turban and then is folded in a special and intricate manner.
But because the crown like emblem was connected with non-Christian ritual practises, that part was done away with in modern times.
Only in some principalities the curtain like thing before the raja's face (it was believed before that a Raja’s eyes could kill) is continued in practice and also as a decoration.
The Rajas still had in the early 1900’s more elaborate regalia and decorations around their arms and legs, but the present Rajas no longer consider them as part of modern practice.
Bracelets are also used as pieces of identification of each Raja and every dynasty has its own style of bracelet, commonly in silver with animal motives on them.
Also several chains with orange like pieces of stones ( the mutis, very mysterious in terms of their origin ) gives a special effect and typically Timorese. Some of these antique chains are priceless.
The Tongkat (Cane) or Dignity Sticks are also part of the regalia of the Rajas. There is a knot that is put on a walking stick. Sort of a scepter, received as a sign of recognition of ruling Rajas by the Portuguese or Dutch governments.
In the old times (of the Dutch East India Government era) there were two types of such scepters. One for sure with at least the logo/insignia of the VOC (United East Indian Company) together within the name of the Raja can be seen on it. Later on, the coat of arms of the
The traditional clothes are also identification points, and a Raja or a royal is the only one allowed to wear a piece of cloth with a white big breadth on it.
Especially in the old style traditional raja outfit, a belt makes part of the Raja’s attire and regalia. These belts are worn by the Rajas directly above the knot of their underclothing.
They mostly have 3 boxes in the front:1 for money and the like, another 2 for the sirih pinang (sort of chewing tobacco practice) utensils and ingredients.
They are made mostly of raw cow skin (so not made into soft, or easy bending leather) and decorated (especially on the boxes) with old silver coins. Like all on Timorese craft: relatively simple looking things, with a beautiful and impressive result.