This hand-painted decorative plate is signed by the artist and depicts a tjumas (pronounced doo ‘mas), which means a princess in the Paiwan language. The Paiwan tribe traditionally had a very strict hierarchical society. This princess, a daughter of the village chieftain, is shown with all the trappings of her status, including a glazed ceramic bead necklace and earrings that were hung over the ears rather than through pierced earlobes. In her headdress is a lily flower, denoting purity and chastity.

In the background is a ceramic vessel. Glazed beads, ceramic vessels and hunting knives are the three treasures of the Paiwan tribe. According to legend, the ancestors of this tribe emerged from a ceramic vessel.

Also in the background is a traditional slate dwelling and the sacred Dawu Mountains.

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