The beautiful fabric of Taiya Tribe~Interviews by students of Kiyang Elementary School

* Date: Nov. 29, 2006 (Wed)

* Interviewee: weave master, Ms. Chiou-ping Cho

* Interview contents:

Jun-ying: When did you start to learn weaving? Who taught you? What if you can’t master it?

Chiou-ping: when I was 45 years old, I started to learn weaving from a woman of Kiyang Village, a grandma who once directed you. She asked me whether I would like to weave. As her fabric was very colorful and beautiful, and also she encouraged me continuously, finally I decided to learn the weave from her. At the beginning, I met many difficulties, but I insisted on and learnt it.

Hsu Ping: why do the women of Taiya Tribe learn the weaving?

Chiou-ping: Many elders told me that the young girls of Taiya Tribe had to learn the weaving. It implies that a girl can’t do any things if she can’t weave. In doing so, a girl is of virtue and can be got married.

Yu-wen: could you tell us what tools will be used in the weave?

Chiou-ping: There are various important weaving tools, such as rollers and winding devices. Also, the materials for weaving were very difficult to get in the past, the weaver must search a kind of tree juice, cut down Ramie in the mountains. After drying them up, spinning and coloring were made possible. They can weave many kinds of clothes skillfully.

Jia-ming: how many weaving methods?

Chiou-ping: There are so many weaving methods, such as traditional and modified weaving methods. As for the traditional ones, the weaver had to sit down and tie a twine on the waist, then weaves by using the power of the waist and feet. Though the weaving devices are improved, the principle remains unchanged. All these methods can weave beautiful cloths in various forms, all of which are unique and beautiful.

Yu-lin: what are the functions of the cloth? What’s the cloth used for?

Chiou-ping: the cloths have many functions, for example, making clothing, caps, skirts, table cloths and quilts. The woven cloth is not only useful and colorful, but also very practical. The ladies of Taiya Tribe wear the weave as wedding dower in the past.

Chi-an: how many patterns? What’s the implication of the patterns?

Chiou-ping: There are so many kinds of beautiful patterns including the plain texture, slanting texture and diamond texture. The weaving texture was considered as a mark of language in the past. I know little about the patterns, but, the diamond texture in my eyes looks like a big and bright eye, and also like a mark being consecrated to the ancestor’s ghost.

Jun-an: what are the taboos for making cloths and weaving? What’s the influence?

Chiou-ping: The men of Taiya Tribe only hunted and made rattans in the past, while the women cultivated in the field and make cloths. This is a tradition for us.

The beautiful fabric of Taiya Tribe Interviews by students of Kiyang Elementary School~Afterthoughts of students

Jun-ying: When we enter into the weaving class, we find that many students are weaving cloths. It seems interesting, so I want to try it. I hope I can have a chance to study the weaving in the future. Today, Ms. Chiou-ping Cho shows us many beautiful cloths. I like the colorful and beautiful diamond texture cloths. How beautiful if I wear these clothes of Taiya Tribe.

Jia-ming: I’d like to give thanks to Ms. Chiou-ping Cho, since she taught us many weaving skills. I hope she has a beautiful life! We will inherit and spread the weaving skills of Taiya Triben. I really like the weaving class.

Yi-jie: After the interview today, I know that every girl of Taiya Tribe studies hard if she wants to have a bright future. The boys shall also study the rattan weaving skill to inherit the traditional culture.

Jun-an: During the interview today, I’m responsible for taking photographs. I admire Ms. Chiou-ping Cho has strong weaving skills. Though she studied the weaving from 45 years old, she succeeded in weaving with her willpower and perseverance. I think I can make success if I make every effort

Yu-lin: the women of Taiya Tribe were good at weaving in the past, but now many people forget it. What will we do if our culture disappears? I started to learn the weaving since grade three at elementary school. Though unskillful, I know the reason why the teacher teaches us so diligently.

Hsu Ping: I learnt how to take photo during the visit. I found it very interesting. I have learnt weaving for two years. Now, I know the reason why we should learn it. This is because weaving is a necessary skill for Taiya Tribe’s girls.