Glass beads are one of the treasures of the Paiwan tribe. From oral legends, these beads magically appeared in the wilderness, and today their origins remain unclear. As there were no records left on how to make these beads or the materials that were used, Paiwan artists in Sandimen Township in Taiwan’s southern Pingtung County have carried out research to re-create them, each one with a special motif and meaning, such as an eye, feathers of a peacock, the lily flower or tears of the sun. This necklace with 14-inch chain features a “weaver” bead, which represents purity and skill in weaving. From a young age, Paiwan girls learned how to take care of the home and family from their mother and aunts. This included weaving cloth. When a female of the tribe reached the age eligible for marriage and was considered to have the skills necessary to take care of a family she was presented with this bead.