Blow pipe (tutufa)

Tutufa in Fataluku (Fafulu in Tetum), are blow pipes made from varying lengths of slim bamboo used as hunting weapons for food, including bush fowl, birds, cuscus, civets, small pigs and bats. A thin metal arrow with a triangular shaped point, and a butt is wrapped in chicken feathers. Slim metal arrows are fitted at the mouth of the blow pipe. Blowing pressures the arrow to be released, and blow pipe users are able to hit targets at a distance of around 5m to 10 m. Tutufa in aldeia Nunu Lata, in the sub-district Lospalos reported that special training is required to develop the lung capacity and skill to use the weapon. Fathers taught their sons to use tutufa.

Photo: Tutufa maker and user from aldeia Paiira, Cacavei.