Keeping a safe distance
When it came time to leave, Laon, Abin's son-in-law, ferried us by motorbike to the bus-stop in Tili. When the bus failed to show up on time, we realized that the driver had stood us up once again. Finally we had no choice but to hitch a lift. Luckily we were picked up by a very friendly young driver.
On the way down the mountain we couldn't help complaining about the Shuanglung's public transport situation, and thought it little wonder that the villagers hardly ever come down from the mountain. But on reflection, perhaps the inadequacy of the transport link is what has enabled Shuanglung village to maintain a safe distance between itself and the modern world.
[Picture Caption]
p.114
Abin, already in her eighties, is a living record of Bunun history and tradition.
p.116
Religious faith is the most important aspect of their lives. Abin, her husband, and her son (first from right) pray before the meal begins.
p.117
Abin's first husband died long ago. Her second husband is an expert basket-weaver.
p.118
Abin's family returned to the original home of the Bunun and transplanted some ramie to the village, for use in making traditional weaving thread.
p.118
The raw thread (left) is boiled with charcoal made from tung wood for about an hour, to turn the thread white (right).
p.118
The rocks and mud in Black Valley are all black. Burying the thread here is the only way to dye it black.
p.118
The main colors of Bunun clothing are black, white, red, yellow and green. Colors dyed in the traditional way look simple and natural.
p.119
Abin has sharp eyes and an acute mind. While she chats, she doesn't miss a single thread.
p.119
At present, Sabom is her mother's only successor in the craft of twelve crossbar weaving.
p.119
Women from the village learn weaving with Abin. The woman in the picture is using a spinning tool to tighten the rolled thread.
p.119
In spite of her great expertise, Abin still says a prayer before beginning work to seek God's blessing for a successful job.
p.120
Traditional culture depends not only on the memory of the older generation, but also on the readiness of their successors to sustain it. Older members of the village in traditional dress perform Bunun "pestle music" for the visitors.
Women from the village learn weaving with Abin. The woman in the picture is using a spinning tool to tighten the rolled thread.
In spite of her great expertise, Abin still says a prayer before beginning work to seek God's blessing for a successful job.
Traditional culture depends not only on the memory of the older generation, but also on the readiness of their successors to sustain it. Older members of the village in traditional dress perform Bunun "pestle music" for the visitors.