The Formosan sambar deer (Cervus unicolor swimhoi) is an herbivore native to Taiwan. There was once a huge population of this deer in Taiwan, and this was a traditional game animal of Taiwan’s indigenous peoples. In the 17^th century there was flourishing trade among the indigenous peoples who hunted the deer and the Chinese and Dutch merchants who bought deerskins from them. Now, this species is endangered and is no longer hunted—becoming a symbol of the need for environmental and cultural preservation.

        This T-shirt is available in limited edition only and is silk screened by hand. It features a painting by indigenous artist Ljegeay Mavaliv. In the center is a Formosan sambar deer. Behind is Mt. Dawu, the sacred mountain of the Paiwan tribe living in Pingtung County in southern Taiwan. Around the head of the sambar deer are motifs of ferns, referring to the vegetation. At the bottom are withered trees and an animal skull. This painting tells the story of man’s interdependence with nature. If humans respect and live harmoniously with nature, the plants and wildlife will thrive. However, if humans continue to deplete the environment of resources, they threaten their own survival.

        On the back of the shirt is the logo and name of the artist’s workshop in Chinese characters, which translates into “Tribe of Brightness”.