"Kabita-Kaburai, de cada dia": Indigenous Hierarchies and the Portuguese in Timor

Abstract

Abstract: Focusing on the area east of Mount Matebian in eastern Timor, this paper looks at the way colonialism was experienced in the hinterlands of Portuguese Timor. Portuguese power was often first experienced indirectly, enabling elites to strengthen indigenous hierarchies before the Portuguese administration was able to consolidate indirect rule in the 1910-20s. In the long run, the Republican administration co-opted these hierarchies, resulting in the paradox that elite power became both absolute and fragile.