Wall Hanging

Cross stitch is the most representative traditional needlework in Paiwan tribe. For Paiwan people, the culture of clothing and accessory is the demonstration of noble and social class system. In the strict traditional social class organization, sun, human shape, and hundred-pace snake are exclusive totems for nobles and heads of tribes. The class of ordinary people must not use it without permission. Only ordinary people with special performance (such as warriors) can be granted the right of use by the head of tribe. The basic technique of cross stitch is to stitch threads in different colors on the mesh fabric with “cross” pattern and the pattern is embroidered in the shape of cross. A set of traditional embroidery clothing usually takes several months to finish. Not only the design of the pattern but also the coordination and appropriateness of color must be considered in order to make sure delicateness and uniqueness of the whole clothing and the craftsmanship be presented. The author uses traditional Paiwan pattern as the element, repeated image as the frame decoration, and symmetric composition to demonstrate the topic of harvest. It presents balanced and stable composition with elegant color matching and skillful technique.