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Tao Wooden Boat Building
| Hello Today, we’d like to introduce the unique boat-building craftsmanship of the Tao people from Orchid Island (Lanyu) in Taiwan — specifically, the traditional tatala, or plank boat. This remarkable tradition is not only a display of technical skill but also a deep expression of cultural identity and respect for nature. |  |
Tao People’s Tatala (Plank Boat) Craftsmanship
| The Tao people (also known as the Yami) are an Indigenous group living on Lanyu (Orchid Island), off the southeastern coast of Taiwan. One of their most remarkable cultural traditions is the construction of the tatala, a traditional wooden plank boat used for fishing and ceremonial purposes. |  |
Construction Technique
| The tatala is built without nails, using a complex technique of interlocking wooden planks joined by wooden pegs and plant-based adhesives. |  |
It is made from multiple types of wood, each selected for its specific properties (e.g., lightness, durability, or buoyancy).
- A typical tatala consists of 21 separate wooden parts, carefully shaped and fitted together.
 | Symmetry and balance are crucial, as the boat must perform well in the often rough Pacific Ocean waters. |
 * |
- Red symbolizes blood and life.
- Black stands for strength and protection,
- White represents purity.
- Common symbols include:
- The eye motif (called mata-no-tatala), believed to protect the boat from evil spirits,
* Human figures or flying fish, important in Tao mythology and daily life |
Cultural Importance
- Boat building is a sacred activity, traditionally done by experienced craftsmen with the help of the community.
- The tatala is more than a fishing tool—it is a cultural symbol of identity, community cooperation, and respect for nature.
- The entire construction process follows taboos and rituals, including ceremonies to bless the boat before its first voyage.
Preservation Efforts
- The craftsmanship of tatala boat building is recognized as an important element of Taiwan’s intangible cultural heritage.
- Younger generations are being taught these traditional skills to keep the culture alive.
- Scholars and anthropologists around the world study tatala as a rare example of sustainable and symbolic marine craftsmanship.