This is a long-awaited illustrated ethnography recording of the traditions and culture of the indigenous Formosan people, the Tsou, who worship the orchid (Dendrobium). Mr. Segawa Kohkichi began this project in the 1930s, when he repeatedly visited them far up in the mountains on foot to take pictures. More than sixty years have passed and his efforts, dedication have finally come to see the light of day through his successor Yuasa Hiroshi, the author of this book.
Many of the photographs are highly valuable reasearch materials which tell us of the custom and livelihood of the Tsou.The commentary on these materials is enriched by the author's background in ethnobotonay.