Boneca de Ataúro (“Dolls of Ataúro”) is a women’s sewing collective in Vila Maumeta, the main town on Atauro Island. Since 2006 it has given local women paid work making hand-embroidered cloth dolls, bags and educational toys, many of them showing island life and animals.
Visiting
- Where: the atelier is in Vila Maumeta, Atauro. You can watch the women sewing and buy directly from the workshop.
- Getting there: take the ferry or a boat from Dili to Atauro; Vila is a short drive or walk from the Beloi landing.
- Opening hours: not published. Visit during working hours on a weekday for the best chance of seeing the makers at work.
Good to know
- The collective’s website (bonecadeatauro.com) was not loading securely when we checked in October 2026, so ask your accommodation on Atauro to confirm it is open before you visit.