Sacred beads of the Paiwan tribe

Paiwan beads

chart of beads and their meanings

Beads have special spiritual meaning for many Taiwanese aboriginal tribes. The Lazurite beads of the Paiwan (排灣) have been used to represent social identities, status, and respect. What I find most fascinating about the Paiwan beads is that each one represents a unique legend or story that has been passed down for generations. Beads have a specific design with colors and lines that are a sign of a particular cultural asset. For example, Names of beads include: Mulmulidan (beads of dignity and beauty), Za-aw (beads of Peacock, Lozegnagadaw (Tears of Sun), Magazaigaw (beads of hands and feet), Cadacada-an (beads of land), Pumacamaca (beads of eyes), and Malaligai (beads of Warrior). The beads are used in Paiwan culture in a way that reflects their meaning. So when warriors win a battle and return home, they are given the beads of warrior from the chief as a symbol of their warrior strength and spirit. I visited the Shung Ye Museum for Formosan Aborigines in Taipei where they showed me charts detailing the meaning and story behind each bead. How amazing is that?? I think it would be interesting to share these stories with the aboriginal children I am working with and connect artistically with the students by recreating the beads' beautiful design in a way that creatively resonates with them.