TA TA LA

TA TA LA

This photo was taken on Orchid Island or Lanyu about 62km off the coast of Taiwan. If you want to go off the beaten track, this is the place!
I got up one morning before sunrise in mid-January this year as I wanted to catch the first light on this wonderful canoe built the traditional way by the Yami or Tao people.
The Yami or Tao people are very friendly and hospitable. They are struggling to live following their ancient traditions and belief. They are renowned for building canoes. These canoes are built, using the primitive of tools.
Twenty seven different pieces of wood cut from trees on the island are needed for one canoe. They are held together with glue and wooden pins/pegs.
A boat takes months to complete. According to local traditions, only one single clan from a particular village or an extended family can build a boat. They are elaborately carved and painted in the Yami/Tao tribe's traditional colours (red white and black) and are decorated with intricate, geometrical patterns
The launching of a decorated boat is an occasion for much celebration and ritual activities. The boats are used for catching flying fish.
The Flying Fish Festival, held annually at the start of the flying fish season in February-March is a major celebration on Orchid Island.

ORCHID ISLAND, LANYU, HUNGTOU VILLAGE, TRADITIONAL CANOE, TAIWAN, REPUBLIC OF CHINA