Introduction

          

The Yami of Orchid Island and the coastal Amis depended on fishing for their livelihood and other tribes lived in the mountain near water, so fish were important food for all the tribes. Fishing in the mountain streams became a regular activity and was second in importance only to hunting as a source of food. Fishing was easier than hunting so, in terms of meeting daily food needs, fishing was more important.  　　Fishing took place in the morning and as men's work. In Amis society there were two kinds of fishing--sea and river fishing. 　　The fish trap is a woven container used in river fishing. The traps used by Taiwan's aborigines are similar to those used in SE Asia, rattan strips woven into a funnel shape. The Nanshi and Xiugulan Amis used the traps in the rivers near where they lived to catch fish and hold the fish and shrimp they caught.