The slightly built Rotenese speak a language similar to Tetun of

Timor though Bahasa Indonesia is almost universally understood.  The Rotenese are open to outside influences, though there are still areas where people adhere to the old traditions.  Their houses have curious boat-shaped thatched roofs with carvings, which are connected with traditional ancestor cults.  Ikat weaving on Rote today uses chemical dyes, but the designs are complex; floral and patola (traditional geometric ikat design) motifs are typical.  One tradition that hasn’t disappeared is the wearing of the wide-brimmed lontar hat, ti’I langga, which has a curious spike sticking up near the front like a unicorn’s horn.  Rotenese also love music and dancing; the traditional Rotenese 20-stringed instrument, the sasando.

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