Wood-Fired Pottery Necklace: "Eye of the Boat"

| Eye of the Boat | The Eye of the Boat is the most iconic motif of the Tao people. Carved onto the sides of their plank boats, it symbolizes warding off evil, ensuring safe passage, and guiding the way. The pattern radiates outward from a central circle, like the sun's rays illuminating the sea route, guiding fishermen safely home. We navigate life, much like a plank boat adrift on the vast, boundless ocean. Young people, no longer building boats, choose to have the Eye of the Boat tattooed on their skin or worn around their necks, seeking to remain steadfast amidst life's uncertainties. | About This Piece | At the end of the flying fish season each year comes the Tao people's "pitanatana," the month of pottery making, considered the most opportune time. Traditionally, only men participated in crafting pottery, adhering strictly to the taboos and customs passed down through generations. The Tao are one of the few Taiwanese indigenous groups to maintain the tradition of pottery making. They classify clay into blue, red, and yellow hues, with the rarest and highest quality being blue, found only at the source of mountain streams. This Eye of the Boat necklace incorporates this precious blue clay. It is crafted using a wood-firing technique, with no glaze applied. During firing, wood serves as fuel, and as ashes land on the piece, creating varied speckles at temperatures exceeding 1200°C, resulting in unique fire marks. Cord Color Options: 1. Waxed leather cord colors can be chosen from: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53473207643_3615039195.jpg 2. South American wax cord colors can be chosen from: https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/53473373989_cc1da7b833.jpg Cord Length (65cm - 70cm): 1. The waxed leather cord length is adjustable. To adjust, please hold the knot firmly to prevent loosening. 2. The South American wax cord length is adjustable. To adjust, please hold the knot firmly to prevent loosening. ————————— Living on Lanyu, our creations are born from this very land. From gathering clay in the mountains to the final firing, each piece is handcrafted with care. We hope this small piece of Lanyu can accompany you. ————————— | Before You Buy | 1. Each of our creations is a unique, handcrafted item, retaining its distinct texture and marks. After placing your order, we will contact you promptly to select your preferred Eye of the Boat design, ensuring a smooth shopping experience. 2. Both waxed leather and hand-braided cords should avoid contact with detergents and excessively hot water. Prolonged wear will cause wear and tear; periodic replacement is recommended. 3. Each piece is meticulously crafted. Our pottery is water-resistant, acid-resistant, and fade-proof, but not impact-resistant. Please handle with care after purchase. 4. Due to transportation challenges between Lanyu and the main island of Taiwan, please be patient with delivery times. We appreciate your understanding in case of flight cancellations due to weather. 5. Your piece will be carefully packaged to prevent damage during shipping. To avoid disputes, please record the entire unboxing process. 6. Feel free to message us with any questions before or after your purchase. We also welcome your curiosity about all things Lanyu.