Likurai Dance as a Symbol of Local Cultural Wisdom and Resistance of the Timor Leste Community
Keywords:
Likurai dance, cultural wisdom, resistance, Timor Leste, indigenous knowledgeAbstract
This study examines the Likurai dance as an embodiment of cultural wisdom and resistance within the Timor Leste community. Originating from centuries-old traditions, Likurai represents more than artistic expression; it functions as a repository of indigenous knowledge, social cohesion mechanisms, and a form of peaceful resistance against historical colonization and contemporary cultural erosion. Through qualitative ethnographic research involving participant observation, in-depth interviews with traditional leaders and dancers, and analysis of historical documents, this research reveals three fundamental dimensions of Likurai: its role in preserving cosmological understanding and agricultural knowledge, its function as a medium for gender empowerment and community solidarity, and its transformation into a symbol of national identity and decolonization. The findings demonstrate that Likurai dance embodies sophisticated ecological wisdom regarding seasonal cycles and sustainable land management while simultaneously serving as a performative act of cultural assertion. This study contributes to understanding how indigenous performing arts function as living archives of local wisdom and instruments of cultural resilience in postcolonial societies.
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Copyright (c) 2023 Maria Fatima dos Santos, ose Antonio da Silva Fernandes, Rosa de Jesus Soares, Domingos Manuel Guterres (Author)
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