Men with Silver Hamlets

作品賞析

PAN Hsiao-Hsia has spent many years with the people of Lanyu (Orchid Island) and photographed many images of life in the island. His documentary-style photographs convey his special connections with Lanyu and portray the marine culture, traditions, and lifestyles of the Tao People. Men with Silver Helmets show two Tao tribesmen wearing their traditional outfits and silver helmets walking in a line. The silver helmets are important and sacred family heirlooms, and would only be worn by male tribesmen during important ceremonies such as the launching ceremony of big canoes, the completion of new houses, or during flying fish festivals. Pan Hsiao-Hsia’s photographs are simple and sincere, and provide a valuable documentary that conveys the valuable traditions and historical culture of the Tao.