The wild boar plays a very important role in many aboriginal societies in Taiwan. It was mainly hunted for food. Men who were particularly good hunters were honored with ornaments, such as wild boar tusks or lily flowers worn on their arms or their headdresses. To this particular artist, the wild boar is also very significant. Fuzu Hamowana (also known as Pu’u) lives in Laiji Village in Alishan, which according to legend was discovered during the hunt for wild boar. She raised a wild boar as a pet when she was young, only to find out that one day while she was away that her mother had slaughtered it for food. This event left a very deep impression on her.

The front of this wooden block features an imprinted wild boar in red, with the eye region hand-carved. On the back is a hand-painted depiction of the Tsou tribe’s sacred mountains with the crest line hand carved. On the top is a hand-painted tree in blossom. A larger version of this local Alishan blossom is also hand-painted on the side. No matter which way it is turned this block is an attractive and attention-grabbing addition to any decor.