Icons on the Boat
The most common icons are: Eye of the Boat, Human Figure, and Waves. The Eye of the Boat icon carved onto both ends of the boat, the concentric circles edged with triangles akin to sun rays radiating outwards is a significant icon that guides them to the fish and safely return. Legend has it that the Human Figure icon represents Yami(Tao)’s first man: Mamooka. The Waves icon represents sea waves, and repels evil spirits. Design of these icons may vary from clan to clan.
▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
Painting & Colors
Black, white, and red are the primary colors used on the boats. Before modern paint, the Yami(Tao) people used natural sources for pigments, such as grounded maxima clam shells, red clay, and soot from the bottom of pots.
Waves, Human Figure, Eye of the Boat
▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀▀
Fishing Crews
The community organization of the Yami(Tao) people is closely linked to their boats. The people on the same boat form a "boat crew," which is primarily composed of patrilineal kin. If there aren't enough eligible kins, they can recruit from their matrilineal kins. Only members of the boat crew are allowed to participate in boat building.
The most skilled fisherman takes the position at the bow, while those less skilled sit in the middle. Individual families yield less catch, so the village sometimes forms larger fishing groups sharing the catch equally among themselves, and performing rituals together.
This practice of sharing catches implies the most capable do not overshadow others, but to share and be generous, keeping fairness and harmony within the group.
Men of the same family (primarily paternal lineage)
(Those of higher seniority are formal crew members; younger members are candidate crew members)
1. First Mate – Deputy Captain
2. Captain (Helmsman) – Master (or Ship's Captain)
3.Most skilled and experienced member
