Atayal Museum to Share Traditional Weaving Arts After Rediscovering Ancestral Textiles in European Collection

(CNA, New Taipei, May 19, by reporter Huang Hsu-Sheng) The Wulai Atayal Museum in New Taipei will hold a "Weaving Shuttle Across the Danube" workshop on June 13 to share the results of research on traditional Atayal textiles conducted at the Weltmuseum Wien in Vienna, Austria. The event will be open to the public to experience traditional weaving techniques such as small jacquard, floating weave, and pattern picking. The Indigenous Peoples Department of the New Taipei City Government stated today that some Atayal textiles from the 19th century were taken overseas and are now housed in the collection of the Weltmuseum Wien. A research team visited last year to observe the textiles up close, investigate the Wulai Atayal artifacts scattered abroad, and directly experience the weaving culture and craft memory from the fingertips of Atayal ancestors. The department told CNA that the expedition involved microscopic analysis, textile structure measurement, and technique documentation to reorganize disappearing traditional weaving skills. It also led to the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MOU) between the Wulai Atayal Museum and the Weltmuseum Wien, symbolizing the international recognition of Taiwan's indigenous culture. Siku Yaway (Lin Wei-茜), Director of the Indigenous Peoples Department, told reporters that Atayal woven garments from different river basins or subgroups, such as the Dahan River, Da'an River, Nan'ao group, and Malepa, have their own distinct characteristics in colors and rhombic patterns. The weaving of bright red bridal gowns or Atayal headhunting tops symbolizes different meanings, showcasing a rich cultural context. The workshop will share research findings on the collected Atayal textiles, introduce methods of fabric analysis and documentation, and analyze the dimensions, structures, and weaving methods of related textiles. It will also demonstrate and offer hands-on experience with the st'lian (small pattern) jacquard weave, the weaving of ceremonial attire like ratang (sleeveless short top) and lukus (clothing), and techniques such as sebuhan (floating weave) and l'mamu (pattern picking). The Atayal term 'sebuhan' refers to the 'floating weave' technique in traditional weaving. This method involves selecting warp and weft threads to create three-dimensional, layered, and ornate geometric patterns on the fabric's surface, making it one of the most representative, complex, and fascinating traditional skills of the Atayal people. The event will be held on the morning of June 13 at the Wulai Atayal Museum in New Taipei City. Registration is open now and will close at 10 PM on June 3. The department stated that everyone, regardless of their familiarity with Atayal weaving culture, is welcome to participate and learn about the cultural significance and historical context of traditional Atayal weaving arts through observation, touch, and practice. (Editor: Li Hsi-Chang)