The term “to weave” is defined by Oxford Dictionary as “the way in which threads are arranged in a piece of cloth that has been woven; the pattern that the threads make.” According to Cambridge Dictionary, the term, by definition, is, firstly, “to make cloth by repeatedly crossing a single thread through two sets of long threads on a loom,” and secondly, “to twist long objects together, or to make something by doing this.” Moreover, corresponding translations of the term in Chinese appear to be “to braid” and “to weave.” The movements explain explicitly the most common techniques when it comes to converting linear plant fibers to 2D or 3D patterns. The works created by adopting these two techniques – whether it is for fabrics or baskets – boast to have kaleidoscopic changes in both patterns and shapes, and introducing convenience and beauty into human life.

The title “Genius Weavers” stands out for the exhibition and the spotlight features their techniques as well as the cleverly-woven patterns. The fabrics and baskets shed light on the living wisdom, aesthetics, ethnic group identification as well as cultural inheritance hidden inside the different cultures. In addition, these works unfold before audiences’ eyes the reinterpreted version and innovative application by contemporary craft professionals when they encounter traditional techniques, patterns and forms of basket.

For Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples, every aspect of daily life is bound to their ancestral spirits. This reverence is present in weaving—from gathering materials and crafting tools to finishing and using baskets and textiles. As the Indian poet Kabir, who spent his life at the loom, observed: “Weaving is an outward action, but at the same time something is happening within me, something you cannot see—that is my meditation.”

This spirit of creation from the heart echoes NTCRI’s 71st anniversary initiative: “70+1: Crafting from the Heart – The Heartfelt Craft Movement.” Weaving meets practical needs, but it also shapes ways of living, expresses cultural identity, and nurtures inner growth.

The exhibition unfolds in four sections—Materials, Tools, Textiles, and Basketry—followed by Interpretation, which explores new expressions inspired by Indigenous weaving. Many weavers still harvest or cultivate their own fibers and fashion their own tools, completing their work with focused unity of hand and heart. These practices reveal the deep ties between craft, nature, society, and spirituality.

They also reflect the NTCRI’s SLOHAS philosophy: Living with Craft, Living with Ease, which brings together slow living and LOHAS through six values: Simplicity, Lifestyle, Originality, Health, Aesthetics, and Sustainability. Together they form a cycle of “virtuous art,” sparking creativity rooted in tradition yet open to renewal.

With the wisdom of the mountains as warp and the skill of weaving as weft, Taiwan’s genius weavers embody a legacy where craft and life are seamlessly intertwined.

Artists and Studios

˙Amis: Ili

˙Atayal: Hayung Yuraw, Taka Tana

˙Bunun: Balakav Ismahasan

˙Kavalan: The Hualien County Kavalan Development Association

˙Puyuma: Shun Cheng Li, Lringa Pakaruku

˙SaySiat: ‘away a ta:in Sa:wan, ’away a ’itih minrakeS

˙Seediq: Awaiy Butah, Ukan Iban, Uma Peling, 

˙Truku: Tumun Masaw, Nadolan Studio

˙Thao: Ali Lhkahihian

˙Kavalan/Amis/Han Chinese: Paterongan (Lightwoven House)

˙Paiwan/ Han Chinese: Ata Aboriginal Cultural Craft Studio

˙Han Chinese: Mei-Yu Cheng

Genius Weavers – The Textiles and Basketry of Taiwan's Indigenous Peoples

Opening Hours: Tuesdays to Sundays (Including national holidays) 09:30-17:30

Exhibition Duration: Oct. 17., 2025 ~ Mar. 22., 2026

Venue: Taipei Branch, National Taiwan Craft Research and Development Institute

Address:No. 41, Nahai Rd., Zhongzheng Dist., Taipei City 100052, Taiwan (R.O.C)