Talking about cultures by looking at historic articles of the ancestors: Bunun spinning and weaving (article and photography by Jun-wei Fang)

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Talking about cultures by looking at historic articles of the ancestors: Bunun spinning and weaving

Due to the lack of art styles that are familiar to the public, the material culture tradition of Bunun rarely draws attention of the public. These years, owing to the rhythmic movement and the strong artistic effect expressed by the crisscrossing of the fabrics, the "weaving" of Bunun has become a "traditional skill" that shows the tradition and self-identification of Bunun people.

What kind of role does the museum play in this revival trend of indigenous peoples' craft arts? The museum has collected the material cultures of the indigenous tradition with fine environments. On the basis of that, what kind of exhibition space will be developed?

Five Bunun people from Wulu Village, Hairui Township in Taitung County have been invited for this event, they will be offering discussions concerning the museum collections related to the weaving. So that the visitors will know how Bunun people identify groups through techniques, patterns and structures of weaving, and imagine the situations under which the historic instruments were used. An old man said the following during the event:

"When I look at these cloths, I recall the time when I was young and lived in the mountain, when my mum weaved under the dim kerosene lamp in the night. I think, in a time that was short in goods and materials, every piece of cloths represented the wisdom and the unlimited love of mothers."

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