Tracing the path, recounting the past: historical perspectives on Timor

Abstract

'Tracing the path, recounting the past: historical perspectives on Timor’ places Timor within its regional and historical setting. It is concerned with the entire island, as it is difficult to discuss historically one part of the island without reference to the other part, and indeed the region. These historical perspectives on Timor take into account its physical setting, ethnic diversity and colonial division. The discussion of the physical aspects of Timor encompasses the climate, the patterns of settlement and the various kinds of agriculture. Ethnic diversity covers traditional politics, languages and social identity, including the emergence of Tetun as a lingua franca in East Timor. The discussion of colonial division looks at the 400 years of engagement between the Portuguese and the Dutch. The resilience of the Timorese, evident throughout their history, is likely to continue to play an important part in the development of East Timor.