Paiwan Heritage in Glass: A Birthday Gift from Taitung

Creating a bead as a heartfelt gift and cultural experience

On September 9, 2025, it was my husband’s birthday. Being far away, I could only celebrate quietly in my heart. I wanted to give him something special, something meaningful. But no idea seemed right… until Homi stepped in.

Homi, who has been like a mother to me during this VOIMR residency (always kind, caring, and attentive) suggested we visit Ata Beads in Taitung. She said we could see beautiful Paiwan glass beads and even try making our own. She planned the visit for September 11, 2025.

Her suggestion felt like a spark. A gift I could make with my own hands, full of intention and story.

Discovering Paiwan Beads

When we arrived at Ata Beads, I was amazed. The studio shimmered with colors (necklaces, bracelets, rings, keychains), all like tiny treasures.

Dauwan, one of the staff, introduced us to the Paiwan tradition. The Paiwan, one of Taitung’s Indigenous groups, have over 100 bead patterns, each with symbolic meaning. Kurakuraw, shaped like a peacock, represents interpersonal relationships; MarodiLon, “bead of fulfil,” symbolizes joy and satisfaction, etc.

Our studio records and promotes education about Paiwan glazed beads,” Dauwan said. I realized these beads are not just ornaments. They carry history, culture, and stories.

Making a Bead

Next, we met Lifuk, a talented female artisan. She showed us how beads are created from fire and glass. Watching her, it looked effortless, but I felt nervous as I approached the glowing rods.

The process involves several steps:

1. Heating (焼製) – form the bead’s core from molten glass.
2. Shaping (塑形) – roll the bead on a marver to shape it.
3. Decorating (綴飾) – add colors and small patterns.
4. Raking lines (釣畫圖案) – create delicate lines with a needle.
5. Cooling (冷却) – let the bead cool slowly in special powder.
6. Washing (清洗) – remove the metal rod and clean the hole.
7. Threading (串珠) – turn it into a necklace, bracelet, or keychain.

Each step demanded focus. From molten glass, a tiny jewel slowly emerged. It felt like giving life to a story through fire.

After I finished my bead, Dinar, Govinda, and Amanda made theirs. Seeing them work added joy. This experience was as much about shared moments as about personal creation.

MarodiLon: A Bead of Hope

I chose MarodiLon for its meaning: joy, fulfillment, and simple happiness. I made it into a necklace, a gift full of love and intention. I will keep it safe until I return to Indonesia to give it to my husband.

Gratitude and Memories

This day gave me more than a birthday gift. It was a lesson in patience, culture, and creativity.

I am thankful to Homi Ina, Uncle Dakanow, Amanda and Nung Nung, for being like family during this residency; to Teh Dinar, Govinda, Mas Gigih, Uncle Lala, and Uncle Baikas for sharing the experience; to Dauwan, for teaching us about Paiwan heritage, and to Lifuk, for guiding my hands patiently.

If you ever visit Taitung, don’t miss Ata Beads. You can find more about their work on Instagram: @atabeads.

A bead made from fire and glass, carrying love, culture, and memory. It reminds me that even small things can hold big stories.

Bunga Dessri Nur Ghaliyah

Taitung, 11 September 2025