Art gallery examines aboriginal weddings

This article was written by Rita Fang and published by The Taiwan Journal on June 6, 2003.

Taipei's Chung Cheng Art Gallery, located within the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, recently concluded an exhibition of paintings and photos depicting the matrimonial customs of the island's 10 aboriginal tribes. The exhibition demonstrated each tribe's creative and traditional wedding vogue. Some aboriginal costumes are not only fashionable and warm, but also actual historical records. Because they do not have their own writing system, many of Taiwan's aboriginal tribes use embroidery and knitting to pattern their garments in such a way as to convey meaning and facts. A person's diary, including such private thoughts as devotion for lovers and concern for family members, can literally be worn on one's sleeve. Another interesting aspect of the exhibition was the chance to learn about the different wedding customs of the various tribes in Taiwan.