By Museum of Ethnic Cultures, Minzu University of China
Museum of Ethnic Cultures, Minzu University of China
Rattan Fish Creel 2 (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Rattan
Rattan weaving is an important craft among the indigenous tribes of Taiwan. It is used to make many of the items used most in daily life, from clothing and hats to food containers. In each case it is the durability, flexibility, and breathability of woven rattan vines that make them an ideal material for use in a hot and humid climate.
This creel is one of the fishing instruments of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes. They are made in a variety of styles, mostly with wide bellies, open tops and narrow necks.
Rattan Fish Creel 1 (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Fishing was an important means of livelihood for both the Amis and the Atayals, who lived near the sea, as well as for other tribes who lived by rivers.
Rattan Basket with Legs and Handles (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Rattan baskets are breathable, which makes them great food storage containers.
Rattan Basket with Legs and Straps 2 (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Rattan baskets, which are both light-weight and sturdy, are common tools for carrying things in mountainous areas.
rattan skins are used to weave the body of the basket, while the cores are used to make the frame.
Rattan Basket with Legs and Straps 1 (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
The four long leggings, wide belts and backboards can all ease the burden of carrying heavy loads in baskets.
Rattan Basket with Legs (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
When making the baskets, people usually peal the skin off the core of the rattan vine. The skin is tough but flexible, while the rattan cores are hard enough to provide support.
Rattan Basket with Legs (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
The four legs of the basket give room under the bottom, which not only protect the bottom from abrasion, extending its lifetime of usage, but also protects the food from moisture.
Rattan Basket with Legs and Handles (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Rattan Basket with Legs and a Handle (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Rattan Bastket with Legs (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Rattan Basket 2 (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Rattan Basket 1 (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Rattan Basket with Linen Net (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Rattan Bag 1 (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Rattan Bag 2 (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Rattan Hat (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Rattan hats are distinctive head-wear worn by Taiwan indigenous men.
Domelike Rattan Cap (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Rattan hats vary in shape and were made of whatever was locally available.
Rattan Cap (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Rattan Cap with Pointy Top (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Rattan hats are usually lined with coconut husks for comfort.
Gourd
Gourds are abundant in Taiwan, and play an important role in the indigenous cultures of the island. Aside from use as food, locals have used them to make all kinds of containers. Larger gourds are used to store grain or clothes, while smaller ones are used for containing wine or water. Gourds can also be used as floatation devices when crossing rivers, and as containers when travelling. The possession of large quantities of gourds was a symbol of wealth.
Gourd Container with Rattan Handle 1 (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Gourds are abundant in Taiwan, and play an important role in the indigenous cultures of the island. Aside from use as food, locals have used them to make all kinds of containers. Larger gourds are used to store grain or clothes, while smaller ones are used for containing wine or water.
Gourd Container with Rattan Handle 2 (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
Gourds can also be used as floatation devices when crossing rivers, and as containers when traveling. The possession of large quantities of gourds was a symbol of wealth. Rattan weaving is also highly developed in Taiwan, and people usually weave rattan nets around gourd containers for convenience.
Gourd Container with Rattan Handle 3 (Collected by the musuem in the early 1950s, it was most likely used during the late 19th and early 20th centuries)Original Source: http://bwg.muc.edu.cn/
