Tags: aborigine | accessory | clothing | Paiwan

Ethnic group： Paiwan Cultural area： Austronesian Collector/handler： Cheng Hui-ying Province/collected in： Taiwan Province County/collected in： Taitung County Township/collected in： Taimali Township Village/collected in： Dawang village, Taimali settlement Digital Copy Provider：National Museum of Natural Science

Description
The attire of Paiwan aristocrats and ordinary people was clearly different. Glass beads, ceramic buttons, leopard teeth, eagle feather, human figure and Hundred-pace Snake (Deinagkistrodon acutus) patterns were exclusive to chief or aristocrats. The decorative shoulder strap was an item exclusive to the elite.
Paiwan shoulder straps were decorated in various ways, featuring rare shells, white ceramic buttons, bronze coins and bronze strips, all meant to display wealth and position.

Shape
The strap has a black cloth base, along the edge of this are sewn pieces of red cloth and colored beads forming triangular shapes. In the center a row of white ceramic buttons is attached by sewing. The two shorter ends have yellow tassels.

Manufacturing method
The strap has a black cloth base, along the edge of which are sewn pieces of red cloth and colored beads forming triangular shapes. In the center is a row of white ceramic buttons. The two shorter ends have yellow tassels.

Function and use
Various colored beads, rare shells, ceramic buttons, leopard teeth, eagle feathers and items carved with human figures or snakes were all precious in early Paiwan society. These decorative items ere exclusively the preserve of the elite in strictly hierarchical Paiwan society. Most shoulder straps used the precious items above to display personal wealth and status.