Sometimes when we travel we get to have one of those moments in time where we stop the rushing and picture taking to discover that this, this one thing, is why we travel. I had one of those moments yesterday!
Here on the other side of the world I had a "discussion" with a woman who proudly explained that this was women's work. I do not speak her language and she does not speak mine. This, above other skills was most prized by her people the Taroko People, indigenous to Taiwan. She had hoped, as a child, to receive her forehead tattoo at 15 and the earn one later on her chin. You earned the chin tattoo by becoming skilled at a job. She is a skilled weaver and would have received a tattoo that would have surrounded her lips and spread to her earlobes, indicating a "master weaver". She was not to have this honor, though. The Japanese, during their occupation of Taiwan from 1912 - 1943 outlawed all aboriginal practices and "resettled" the tribes away from their homes, away from the rich natural resources they craved.
As I chose a shawl made over the course of 3 days by this amazing woman, she smiled and touched her heart and reached forward, palm up. I reached forward, palm up and brought my had to my heart. We understood each other, we are women and I took with me not only a piece of her art, but a piece of her heart!
TOO cool. I think this is my favorite post, thus far. Such an interesting look into a "forgotten" culture. I have never heard of the tattoo custom, but it's a very cool little gem!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for updating us on these things. I can't wait until you get back in August and I can hear it all in person!