Bow and arrow (fei fa'i)

Fei-fa'i in Fataluku (rama inan in Tetum), are bow and arrow used for hunting wild animals in the jungle, and for spearing fish. A bow is made from a length of supple bamboo around 1.5 m long. At both ends of the bamboo a groove is cut away, and a rope (possibly made from lontar (palm) fibre or rattan loops) is tied taut to both ends of the bamboo. The arrow is a thin piece of bamboo, with the tip end carved into a very sharp point. Americo de Jesus, a bow and arrow maker from Titilari, Lospalos, reported that bow and arrow are not commonly found now as young people prefer modern weapons, like rifles and fire guns, over the traditional bow and arrow.

Photo: Americo de Jesus holds a fei-fa'i in aldeia Titilari, Fuiloro.