AN ALBUM ON THE ABORIGINES IN TAIWAN (FORMOSA)

As interest in the island of Taiwan The original uses "Formosa," a name meaning "Beautiful Isle" given by Portuguese explorers in the 16th century. grows, the arrival of a watercolor album focusing on the indigenous people is very timely. Although the artistic skill is modest—likely the work of an unknown craftsman—the album vividly portrays the living conditions in Taiwan from approximately one hundred years ago.

There are twelve paintings in this folded album, illustrating the life and customs of the island. The scenes depict:
1. Boys learning how to pound grain and students engaging in school recitations;
2. Workers putting the roof on a house;
3. A sentinel: a soldier or guard whose job is to stand and keep watch on duty;
4. Harvesting coconuts;
5. Hunting deer;
6. Hunting bisons: in the context of Taiwan, this likely refers to the water buffalo;
7. Crossing a stream;
8. Harvesting grain;
9. Storing the grain;
10. Catching fish;
11. Bathing a child; and
12. Planting taro: a tropical plant with edible starchy roots that is a staple food for many indigenous cultures and traveling on a cart.

Students of sociology and history will find this album to be an excellent visual study of the island's traditional way of life before it was transformed into a modern community.