People of the Sea in Taiwan
The Life and Culture of the Tao People
The Life and Culture of the Tao People
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Fishing Boat (Model), Second half of the 19th–start of the 20th century
Asian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 13
April 11, 2023 (Tue) - July 2, 2023 (Sun)The Tao (Yami) people are an ethnic group living on an island situated off the southeastern coast of Taiwan, called Orchid Island.
Historically, they are believed to have originally travelled there by boat from the northern Philippines. The Tao people are dedicated to preserving their culture and continue to practice their ancestral traditions. Traditional gondola-like boats that bear symbolic designs representing Tao ancestors can still be found in fishing villages on the island. These boats are primarily used to catch flying fish, which hold religious significance in Tao culture. For the Tao people, the ocean is more than a mere fishing site—it is a sacred place for receiving blessings from the gods. This exhibition celebrates the prayers and wisdom that have grown out of the Tao people’s intense connection with the sea.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Fishing Boat (Model) | Orchid Island, Taitung County, Taiwan | Second half of the 19th–start of the 20th century | TK-651 | |||
| Highlight | Armor | Orchid Island, Taitung County, Taiwan | Second half of the 19th–start of the 20th century | Gift of Mr. Yamato Iwatarō, TK-3344 | |||
| Highlight | Helmet | Orchid Island, Taitung County, Taiwan | Second half of the 19th–start of the 20th century | Gift of Mr. Yamato Iwatarō, TK-3345 |