Glass beads are one of the treasures of the Paiwan tribe. From oral legends, these beads are said to have miraculously appeared, and today their origins remain unclear. As there were no records left on how to make these beads or the materials that were used, Paiwan artists in Sandimen Township in Taiwan’s southern Pingtung County have carried out research to re-create them, using quartz clay instead of glass, each one with a special motif and meaning, such as “eyes” for protection, feathers of a peacock signifying love, and the lily flower signifying beauty.

    These beads could be used instead of a land deed, were required for a wedding ceremony to take place and also to name a newborn child, and were given by elders to signify a woman of great virtue or a warrior of great ability.

    Glazed beads were mostly worn by the nobility of the tribe, with the complexity of the necklace and the numbers of beads signifying the level of social standing.

    This 11” choker is comprised of three strands of glazed beads, with those in the center featuring traditional motifs.