The Story of Lanyu's Tatalas

At Dongqing Bay, vividly colored Tatalas rest quietly on the pebble beach. These boats are not merely a means of transportation but are also a profound symbol of the Tao people's soul.

Each boat is crafted from over ten wooden planks joined together without using nails. The hull is painted with red, white, and black totems, symbolizing courage, purity, and the depth of the ocean. Red represents the blood of warriors, white signifies the purity of ocean waves, and black embodies the tranquility of the soul.

Upon closer inspection, you'll notice that each boat's patterns are unique—some feature geometric lines symbolizing family lineage, while others are adorned with ancestral eyes to protect fishermen venturing out to sea. These intricate details make every Tatala a living piece of art, narrating the tribe's reverence for the ocean and their wisdom in life.

🌊 As the sea breeze brushes by and the waves crash against the shore, sunlight dances on the red and white reflections of the boat's hull. In that moment, you realize—this is not just a boat but a cultural memory passed down through generations.

Post by Qaz74111 | Oct 28, 2025