Water buffaloes have a history of over three hundred years in Taiwan, once serving as the primary workforce in agrarian societies and profoundly influencing agricultural production. They were revered and respected, even leading to a tradition of not consuming beef. However, as Taiwan transitioned into an industrial society, the mechanization of agriculture gradually replaced water buffaloes with tractors, causing them to fade from the market.
Nevertheless, their value persists. In terms of environmental friendliness and resource reuse, water buffalo horns demonstrate the potential for sustainable development, preserving traditional craftsmanship and cultural values, showcasing a unique charm that integrates environmental protection and cultural heritage.
This study promotes buffalo plowing culture through the design of buffalo horn comb packaging, calendars, notebooks, and incense made from buffalo dung. The buffalo horn comb packaging conveys an atmosphere where tradition meets modernity; calendars and notebooks incorporate historical knowledge about water buffaloes, encouraging people to reflect on and learn about their contributions to Taiwanese agriculture in their daily use; buffalo dung incense, through innovative design, changes people's established impressions of buffalo dung and gives it new value. Through these designs, we aim to reintroduce Taiwan's local buffalo plowing culture to modern society.
