The use of beads is regarded as one of the features of modern human behaviour. Bead products have many functions: as decoration, indicating social class or status, and as markers of identity and of belonging to a particular group or society. Austronesianspeaking peoples demonstrate the abundant use of beads in what can be called a 'bead cultural complex'. In particular, Taiwan's indigenous peoples are well known for using a great diversity of beads; this diversity is found in both the materials

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... and the functions. Animal materials, such as teeth, bones, insects, and shells; plant materials, such as stems and seeds; and inorganic materials, such as bronze, ceramics, and glass are used. Some are readily available nearby in the natural environment and others can only be obtained through trade. In this article, the author introduces the diversity of materials and functions of beads among Taiwan's Austronesian-speaking groups and compares this with the bead cultures of neighbouring island regions in order to discuss the Austronesian culture in Taiwan from the viewpoint of the use of bead products.