Driftwood Craft of Aborigine in the East Coast of Taiwan ─A Study of Being an Apprentice
Date Issued
2012
Date
2012
Author(s)
Hung, Chen-Yu
Abstract
This research focuses on the craft of driftwood in the east coast of Taiwan which has been developed by aborigine since 1990s. It follows the three major contexts. Firstly, compared with the west coast, driftwood occurs more often in the in the east coast. Secondly, it concerns the returning-home aboriginals facing lack of employment. Finally, it is connected to the evolution of driftwood art.
Apprenticeship is the way to learn driftwood craft. Becoming an apprentice of the driftwood master, author was involved in the works of driftwood master and practiced the basic techniques. Via the individual creating procedure, author learned the special craft of driftwood.
Tree forms and drifting scars of the driftwood show its great life history. Therefore driftwood craftsmen create in a state of giving materials new life. It is the core concept of driftwood craft creation.
Driftwood craft divides into two sequential-technique phases, from getting driftwood materials in coast environment to making driftwood into creations. The getting includes: 1) recognition, 2) cutting, and 3) carrying. The making includes: 1) taking and trimming, 2) sanding and 3) forming and polishing. In the process of executing driftwood techniques, numerous body sensations are used by the craftsmen. The driftwood craft is implemented via portable tools such as chain saw, sander, and chisels.
According to the driftwood craftsman’s career and livelihood, author discusses three dimensions through which the craft is sustained have. One is the factor of social culture involving the aboriginal art, the blooming east coast tourism, developing local culture and the wood carving contest held by the forest bureau. Another one is the factor of commercial activities which may be taken such as consignment, operating stalls or making to order. Last but not least, the craftsmen help each other via the network of mutual collaboration working together when others get projects.
Subjects
driftwood
craft
east coast of Taiwan
aborigine
Type
thesis
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