TAIWAN | Tuesday, 18 November 2014 | Views [886] | View Larger Image
The carved symbols and geometric designs carry great meaning to the Tao fishing community. Red, white and black are the only colors used on a traditional Ping-Ban-Zhou. Red was originally from the fine island earth, rich in iron oxide, black from the carbon of the cooking fires, and the white of calcium oxide from burning sea shells, usually of the giant clam (Tridacna gigas).
The person-like symbol represents the family accompanying the fisherman to bring him comfort and prevent him from ever being alone while fishing in the vast ocean. This is particularly reassuring for the individual in his one man boat.
The radiating, sun-like symbol, represents the eyes of the Ping-Ban-Zhou to ensure the fishermen will find the right direction to the huge schools of flying fish and be able to return safely home.
This photograph shows these two most significant symbols for the fishermen.
Tags: home, direction, company, eyes
