360nomad (2026)

01/04/2026

From the photo series "The Ethnic Diversity of Northern Vietnam" highlighting the beauty and diversity of Vietnam's Ethnic Minorities. Showcased by Vietnam Airlines.

21/03/2025

Aboriginal Taiwan - Taroko Ethnic Group

“To qualify for a face tattoo, men must hunt at least 3 boars with tusks. Women must weave a complete set of clothes with no mistakes.” Piteyru’s wife tells me sitting in front of their house nestled in the forest, on a cool & cloudy afternoon near the coast of Eastern Taiwan. Piteyru and his wife are part of the Taroko/Truku ethnic group, one of the 16 recognized indigenous groups of Taiwan.

The tradition of face tattooing seems to have all but disappeared amongst the Taroko and as far as I can tell, the other 15 indigenous groups as well. I’ve seen photos of other Taroko elders with the face tattoos, but “they’ve all passed away” Na Do Lan explains to me.

Na Do Lan is an artisan and cultural teacher of the traditional fabric and clothes of the Taroko. When I show interest in the traditional clothes making process she rushes excitedly to her front yard where tall stalks of green plants with large leaves tower over her short frame. “This is the ramie plant” she says cutting a stalk at the base. Deft with her hands and feet she quickly strips the bark from the stalk demonstrating the first step in the process that will end in the beautiful, intricately woven clothes of the Taroko, much like the shirt Piteyru is wearing.

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360nomad

01/04/2026

21/03/2025

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