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Fishing nets (漁網)

Introduction
Fishing nets were commonly used by Taiwan’s indigenous peoples. Different types of fishing nets were produced, depending on the species of fish to be caught, the fishing methods, and location and scale of fishing.

The Amis and Yami tribes are the most proficient at fishing among Taiwan’s indigenous tribes and produce nets for large-scale fishing. The Paiwan and Rukai tribes inhabit mountainous areas with short and rapid rivers and streams that produce smaller quantities of fish. Thus, the scale of fishing carried out by these tribes is much smaller with fish traps used to catch freshwater fish, shrimp and crabs.

Construction
Fishing nets were triangular in shape, consisting of a Y-shaped wooden frame and ramie fiber netting. The ends of the two branches of the Y-shaped frame were curved. The ramie fiber netting was bound to the frame, leaving a V-shaped opening.

Production methods
The frame was made from a Y-shaped tree branch. Heavy objects were hung from both ends to maintain the net’s shape when air drying. The ramie fiber netting was stretched over and bound to the frame, leaving a V-shaped opening.

Uses and Functions
Fishing nets are important tools for fishing. Different types of nets are produced depending on several factors, such as the species of fish to be caught, the method of fishing, and the location and scale of fishing, etc. This type of wooden frame net was usually used to catch small and medium-sized freshwater fish, shrimp and crabs.

 

 

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