Weaving New Life Into an Indigenous Village
by Tina Lin in Outside > Backyard
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Weaving New Life Into an Indigenous Village
What?
In Taitung, Taiwan, there is an old Indigenous village of the Puyuma people(Pinuyumayan) called Hagu Chief Wood Carving Art Village. The village is well known for its traditional wood carving, bamboo weaving, and cross-stitch embroidery.
Why?
While walking through the village, I noticed that many carved wooden decorations on the walls had fallen off or disappeared. I wanted to find a simple way to bring these traditional artworks back and help people appreciate the local culture.
After learning that wood carving, embroidery, and rattan weaving are the village's most important crafts, I started thinking about how to share these traditions in a new way.
How?
I reused old wooden window frames that were no longer needed in the village and combined them with recycled plastic weaving straps. This material is weather-resistant and suitable for outdoor use. I also used the traditional village colors—red, yellow, and green—to connect the new artwork with the local culture.
Supplies
Materials:
1.Old wooden window frame
2.Sandpaper
3.Cleaning brush
4.Brass nails
5.Hammer
6.Needle-nose pliers
7.Cotton string
8.Scissors
9.Strong glue
10.Local ribbons
11.Recycled plastic weaving straps
Note: Wear gloves while cleaning the old window frame and weaving with plastic straps to protect your hands.
Outline:
Step 1: Learn About the Village
Step 2: Draw Your Design
Step 3: Find a Place for Your Artwork
Step 4: Choose Your Materials
Step 5: Sand, Sand, Sand
Step 6: Hammer in the Nails
Step 7: The Final Stretch: Weave, Weave, Weave!
Step 8: We Are All Done !!!
Learn About the Village
Join a local tour to learn about the village's history, traditions, and culture. Take photos and notes of the unique artwork and architectural details for inspiration.
Design the Pattern
Take photos of the wood carvings around the village. Sketch the carving patterns, shapes, and colors with pencils or crayons.
I found that most designs use geometric shapes. The main colors are red, yellow, and green, while black, white, and blue are used as accent colors. Many carvings include half-circle details outlined in black.
Find a Place & Start Creating!
As explored the village, I noticed missing wood carvings and empty spaces where decorative tiles had disappeared. These empty walls became the perfect places for new artwork inspired by local traditions.
Materials, Materials, Materials!
I wanted to use materials already available in the village. I found many old wooden window frames in an unused deer shelter.
Because the artwork would stay outdoors, I decided not to use fabric. Instead, I chose recycled plastic weaving straps because they are durable and weather-resistant. Red, yellow, and green were selected to match the traditional village colors, with a few ribbons added for decoration.
Sand, Sand, Sand
1. Clean the frame with a brush.
2. Sand the surface until it is smooth.
3. Apply clear wood sealer or clear varnish to both the front and back.
4. Let the frame dry completely in the sun.
Note:
1.Wear a dust mask and safety glasses while sanding.
2.Wear gloves to avoid cuts from old nails.
3.Remove any loose or rusty nails before starting.
Line by Line, Nail by Nail
Mark points every 3 cm along the top and bottom of the frame. Hammer brass nails into these marks to hold the weaving.
Note:
1.Use an even number of nails on both the top and bottom.
2.Make sure the nails line up straight.
3.Hold small nails with pliers while hammering to protect your fingers.
The Final Stretch: Weave, Weave, Weave!
Weave the plastic straps in any pattern you like. I designed my weaving based on the colors and patterns I observed in the village's traditional wood carvings.
Note:
1. A simple horizontal weave is the easiest for beginners.
2.Alternate the weaving over and under each row to keep it tight.
3.Secure the ends of ribbons, yarn, or straps with strong glue.
We Are All Done !!!
Install your woven window frame on an empty wall to help bring new life to this nearly 100-year-old Indigenous wood carving village.
By combining recycled materials with traditional colors and patterns, you can create artwork that celebrates local culture while giving old materials a new purpose.