Twin Cup (Linnak), 20th Century
Paiwan culture; Pingtung or Taitung County, Taiwan
Wood and p…

Wine Cup (Linnak)

ClassificationsFurnishings-Serviceware-drinking vessels

Culture Paiwan

Date20th Century

Made AtTaiwan, Asia

MediumWood and pigment

Dimensions27 1/2 × 4 5/16 in. (69.9 × 11 cm)

Credit LineGift of Anne and Long Shung Shih

Object number2019.15.19

DescriptionThis ceremonial wine cup or linnak (literally twin cup) was used by the indigenous Paiwan people of southern Taiwan. The double cup was brought out on a number of occasions, always to cement the relationship between the two sharing a drink from a linnak’s bowls. Perhaps the most common of these usages was sharing rice wine between newly wedded couples. Goods decorated with carvings were generally reserved for the wealthiest families. The snake, seen here decorating both handles of the cup, was an important motif in Paiwan art as it was believed that the Paiwan were descended from the viper.

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