Their function in tribal society There is no way to ascertain the true origin of the facial tattoos, but in the Atayals 'daily lives they did have great social meaning and function, including distinguishing tribal origin, announcing the coming of age, beautifying the appearance, preventing the spread of evil, signifying bravery and displaying the height of feminine weaving skills.
傳統部落裡文面的功能文面的真正的起源雖無從確認，但在實際生活中，它卻有極為嚴肅的社會意義與功能。這些功能包括族群識別、成年禮、美觀、避邪繁生，表彰男子的英勇和女子織布技術高超等。