Armor by Tao people
Second half of 19th century–start of the 20th century
Rattan, bamboo, and fish skin
A woven vest made of rattan, bamboo, and fish skin is displayed on a stand. The vest features a laced front closure and a wide collar. Male members of the Tao (Yami) people usually wore loincloths and sleeveless upper clothes. They wore rattan-woven armor like this in battles as well as at rituals. The skin of thread-sail filefish is also used on this armor. Taiwan is home to sixteen indigenous tribes, including the Tao people who live on Ponso no Tao, a remote island formerly known as Botel Tobago. The island is located to the southeast of the main island of Taiwan. The Tao people are dependent on the ocean for their livelihood and support themselves through fishing. They are known for catching flying fish. This armor and the accompanying helmet were used by the T
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