ABSTRACT
This chapter deals with the role of the 'lord' or 'source' of the land in contemporary Timor-Leste. Typically, the notion of 'lord' or 'source' of the land refers to one particular clan or origin group and their senior leaders, who claim historic–mythical attachments to, and exercise ritual authority over, defined areas of land and natural resources. Drawing on fieldwork conducted in Babulo, Uato-Lari sub-district, Viqueque, the chapter describes how claims to land and natural resources are inextricably linked to notions of 'origin' and formulations of the 'sacred'. The experience of communities such as Babulo offers an example of how certain customary beliefs and practices associated with the relationship between people and the land, create and sustain claims to sacralised authority and power over defined territories. These relationships have long been 'entangled' or 'enmeshed' in complicated relationships with the world beyond the domain.
