100 specimens: Objects from the National Museum of Natural Science Ⅳ - Anthropology Department

By National Museum of Natural Science

National Museum of Natural Science

Patu-shaped stone toolNational Museum of Natural Science

Anthropology Department

The Anthropology Department, NMNS has three sub-fields: ethnology, archeology, and biological anthropology, aiming to collect specimens from and study the natural history of East Asian populations via holistic and systematic perspectives. Modern social developments in these regions are also concerned. Our major tasks include studies of regional cultural diversities and their interactions, representation of the unique ecological knowledge extracted from peoples’ adaptations, actions to protect the endangered cultural heritages, and creating an environment for cultural preservation and progress.

High-bellied jar High-bellied jarNational Museum of Natural Science

Ball-shaped touNational Museum of Natural Science

The ball-shaped tou is a very unique pottery. To date, it has only been discovered at the Yuliao archeological site in Taibao Township of Chiayi County. The shape of this tou is almost spherical with an opening at the top. A high ring foot is at the bottom. For its scarceness in number and uniqueness in shape, the ball-shaped tou is thought a ritual object.

Agate beadsNational Museum of Natural Science

Glass beadsNational Museum of Natural Science

Badger jaw bonesNational Museum of Natural Science

Pottery ladleNational Museum of Natural Science

Animal-shaped nephrite earringNational Museum of Natural Science

This nephrite earring might be discovered by a common person in a prehistorical slate coffin during the building of the New Taitung Train Station in 1980. Its style belongs to the Peinan Culture which dated approximately 2,300 to 3,500 years before present, and it was most likely a burial object.

Double lug, square rim potNational Museum of Natural Science

Double lug, hight ring foot touNational Museum of Natural Science

Single lug, spout potNational Museum of Natural Science

Bronze yan steamerNational Museum of Natural Science

Soapstone tea setNational Museum of Natural Science

Black lacquer plate carved with birds and flowersNational Museum of Natural Science

Most engraved lacquerware specimens from the Yuan Dynasty were painted red. Black was not usually be used, therefore the black specimen is very valuabe. This black lacquerware plate is decorated with flowering shrubs and a pair of birds, creating a very lively scene.

Blue and white, double-lion-lug porcelain jarNational Museum of Natural Science

Earth GodNational Museum of Natural Science

MazuNational Museum of Natural Science

Chest ornament, Paiwan tribe Chest ornament, Paiwan tribeNational Museum of Natural Science

Pottery vessel, Paiwan tribeNational Museum of Natural Science

The traditional pottery making techniques in the Paiwan tribe have all but disappeared. However, some ancient pottery vessels have been preserved.

Men’s shell bead shirt, Atayal tribe Men’s shell bead shirt, Atayal tribeNational Museum of Natural Science

Single-person boat, Dawoo tribe Single-person boat, Dawoo tribeNational Museum of Natural Science

Double circle wood carving, Taokas tribeNational Museum of Natural Science

Bamboo pipe, Taokas tribeNational Museum of Natural Science

During the Qing dynasty, Da-Bing Hsieh oversaw 12 communities covering the Taoyuan, Hsinchu and Miaoli Counties of the present day. This pipe was used for smoking tobacco by Da-Bing Hsieh.

Cap, Taokas tribeNational Museum of Natural Science

Bronze drum, Miao people Bronze drum, Miao peopleNational Museum of Natural Science

Basha-style women’s clothing, Miao people Basha-style women’s clothing, Miao peopleNational Museum of Natural Science

Kaitang style women’s clothing, Miao people Kaitang style women’s clothing, Miao peopleNational Museum of Natural Science

Embroidered cloth piece, Miao people Embroidered cloth piece, Miao peopleNational Museum of Natural Science

These embroidered cloth pieces were made by the Miao people of Xijiang Town in Guizhou Province, China. The folk stories of the Miao tribe were passed on through the art form.

Baby carrier, Miao people Baby carrier, Miao peopleNational Museum of Natural Science

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