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Function and use
Function and use
The function of clothing is to cover the body, preserve body warmth and for decoration. In everyday life, when working or visiting relatives the Atayal would wear hemp’”house” or work clothes with less pattern and decoration. However, head hunting warriors, chiefs, and tribal elders and others with high social position wore those the decoration and manufacturing process of which displayed their fighting skill and social status.Bell smocks would be only worn during ceremonies by chiefs and elders or by warriors. Smocks decorated with shell money showed the outstanding martial ability of the wearer.
The main function of the most precious Atayal ceremonial garment—the shell pearl smock-was mainly used as a bride price. It was the family treasure of Atalay people and symbolized wealth. Only chiefs, elders and warriors who had hunted the most heads were allowed to wear it, expressing the wearer’s martial ability or high social position.This item was made by stringing together over 100,000 shell beads and could weigh 7-7 kg. Although shaped like garment it in realty could not fulfill a garment’s function. This kind of clothing also had a function as currency and could be exchanged for goods. It could be used to make purchases, as reward payment or to pay fines. |
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