Glazed ceramic beads are one of the treasures of the Paiwan tribe. From oral legends, these beads magically appeared in the wilderness, and today their origins remain unclear. As there were no records left on how to make these beads or the materials that were used, Paiwan artists in Sandimen Township in Taiwan’s southern Pingtung County have carried out research to re-create them, each one with a special motif and meaning, such as an eye, feathers of a peacock, the lily flower or tears of the sun.

These beads could be used instead of a land deed, were required to be able to get married or to name a newborn child, and were given by elders to signify a woman of great virtue or a warrior of great ability.

Glazed beads were worn by the nobility of the tribe, with the complexity of the necklace and the numbers of beads signifying the level of social standing.

This 20” necklace has an adjustable leather chain, and is comprised of a strand of glazed beads featuring traditional motifs.