In Timor-Leste, the Uma Lisan is far more than a traditional house—it is a sacred symbol of kinship, continuity, and cultural identity. Rooted in ancestral wisdom, the Uma Lisan represents the foundation of a large family, binding generations together through shared memory, ritual, and responsibility.
One such house, Uma Lisan Balis, stands in Lo’o Village, Suai Loro, within the Suai-Vila Administrative Post of Covalima Municipality. According to oral history, Uma Lisan Balis is deeply intertwined with the identity of Suai Loro itself. The first structure was built in 1974 by our ancestors, who named it Balis. Crafted from wood and rope, it embodied the materials and spirit of the land.
Uma Lisan Balis remains spiritually and structurally connected to other traditional houses in Suai Loro. It is a living testament to the enduring presence of ancestral spirit in Lo’o. Today, the custodians of this sacred house are Mr. Paul Pereira (Bei Lavalu) and Mr. Quintino Amaral, descendants of Beiala, the original owner. Their stewardship ensures that the house continues to serve as a place of gathering, ritual, and remembrance.
Beyond architecture, the cultural life of Lo’o Village flourishes through traditional handicrafts. In Timor-Leste, handicrafts are expressions of identity, resilience, and artistry. They encompass visual and traditional arts rooted in daily life and community practice.
In Covalima, artisans continue to produce original Tais, Fatuledu, and Kabas. The Fatuledu is a tool used to process Ai-kabas, a native plant whose cotton is separated from its seeds using this traditional method. The cotton is gathered for weaving, while the seeds are preserved for future planting—an act of renewal and sustainability.
Another historical landmark in Covalima is the Old Prison in Kalbosu, Suai-Vila. Built by Portuguese colonialists in 1975, this structure stands as a reminder of a difficult chapter in our history. It was used to detain and punish Timorese during colonial rule, and today it invites reflection on the resilience of our people.
Together, these cultural sites and practices—Uma Lisan Balis, traditional crafts, and historical landmarks. They remind us that heritage is not static; it is lived, preserved, and passed on. In honoring them, we honor ourselves.