中文

The Saisiyat

Myth and Garments

Traditional Saisiat garments are made of woven ramie cloth. The colors red, black and white usually dominate, but in the early days before the tribe developed more sophisticated dyeing techniques, most clothing was made of natural-color ramie. This was particularly true of everyday outfits, which were functionally geared towards keeping the wearer warm and covered. After the introduction and spread of the art of dyeing, the Saisiat began to make more refined clothes, employing more elaborate weaving methods and adding decorative designs, mostly in the colors red, black and white. These colors have special meanings:

  • Black stands for sincerity and a lack of ulterior motives.
  • Red represents warmth and hospitality.
  • White symbolizes honesty and a pure heart.

The traditional male attire features a long a long shirt, a short vest, a loincloth and various articles of adornment, while the female attire consists mainly of a long shirt, short vest, bib, a one-piece skirt or below-knee-length pants and various items of finery. Today, the Saisiat attire is generally less elaborate, but while the clothes themselves are simpler in cut and design, and fewer items may be worn, the trimmings and embroideries are more sophisticated and varied than ever. In the past, although they consisted entirely of animal bones, shells, bamboo pieces and beads made of Job’s tears, today sequins, buttons, small bells and colored glazed beads have been added to the mix, giving the tribe’s garments a unique appearance that beautifully merges a simple style with intricate and colorful adornments.

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