Tribe

Introduction

Amis

The population of Amis is about 169,000 (June, 2007). It is the largest among all indigenous tribes in Taiwan. The traditional social organization is mainly matriarchal. The male must move in with the female’s family as a son after getting married. Family affairs and property matters are decided by the female head of household. However, important matters as marriage or asset allocation should be co-decided with the uncles of the female householder. The public affairs about tribal politics, laws, wars and religions are dealt with by an institution consisting of males of different age classes. The most important traditional ceremony is the Harvest Festival and the most significant part is to celebrate males entering the age of manhood.

Atayal

The population of Atayal is about 80,000 (June, 2007). Hunting as well as slash and burn farming are their traditional life styles. Their advanced weaving skills create sophisticated patterns, delicate designs and beautiful colors. Red color symbolizes blood, which is vital and considered to be able to repel evil spirits that explains why red costumes are well loved. Face tattoo is one of the longstanding customs. Romantic Lubu (Jew’s harp) dance is an expression of affection between man and woman. One unique culture of clothing and ornamental objects of Atayal is “shell beads dress” which is decorated with polished white shell beads the size of mung beans.

Paiwan

The population of Paiwan is about 82,000 (June, 2007). The most noticeable feature of Paiwan is their fabulous clothing. The tribe is divided into four classes of chief, nobles, worriers and common people under the strict hierarchical system. The chief and nobles enjoy the privilege on ornaments, such as: male falcon feathers which resemble the pattern of hundred-step snakes, noble glazed beads and other special patterns (human heads, hundred-step snakes). The political system of Paiwan is based on the eldest son inheritance and land system.

Bunun

The population of Bunun is about 48,000 (June, 2007). The social organization is patriarchal and non-blood relatives are accepted as normal family members. That explains the big traditional houses in Bunun villages. Ceremonies are scheduled according to millet planting, weeding and crops harvest around the year. The magnificent "Praying for a Good Millet Harvest” is sung by Bununs with outstanding eight-part harmony after weeding. And “Manah Tainga” is considered as the most important life ceremony for male Bununs while entering into manhood.

Puyuma

The entire Puyuma tribe is divided into eight sub-tribes and thus called Pa-Sher-Fan (an indigenous tribe with eight sub-tribes). The population of Puyuma is around 10,000 (June, 2007). The traditional social organization is centered on eldest daughter inheritance and institution consisting of males of different age groups. Men House is the political center and educational place for the males. Unmarried males should live in the Men House to accept military trainings to defend the village. The rankings are divided according to their ages. Puyuma is a matriarchal society, and the male moves in with the female’s family after getting married. But it is now blended with some features of patriarchal society. The Puyuma people are good at delicate embroidery. The cross stitch is the most commonly seen method and human dancing pattern is unique to Puyuma.

Rukai

The population of Rukai is about 11,000 (June, 2007). Traditional social structure is divided into two hierarchies - nobles and commons. The nobles enjoy superiority of their blood from legends and the privileges of the ownership of lands. Common people can improve their social status through developing personal leadership, increasing harvest storage and marriage. Rukai family is inherited by the eldest son. Wearing lilies is unique to Rukai People.

Tsou

The population of Tsou is about 6,400 (June, 2007). Strictly patriarchal system and the well-organized small and large clans form the social and political structures. Tribal affairs and ceremonies are discussed and conducted in the Men House - “Kuba.” Before getting married, young men must live in Kuba to receive trainings. Women are not allowed in Kuba. “War Ritual” is the most important tribal rituals. Tsou is good at leather tanning. Making clothing with the hunted hide is unique to Tsou.

Saisiyat

The population of Saisiyat is about 54,000 (June, 2007). The social organization is patriarchal, and each clan has its own totem or symbol. In the Ch’ing Dynasty, a lot of Saisiyat translated their original totems into Chinese surnames, such as “Feng” (wind), “Ri” (sun) and “Xia” (summer)…etc. The most important traditional ritual is “Pas-taai,” it is the occasion where the best singing and dancing are performed. Neighboring with Atayal, Saisiyat is greatly influenced by it in material culture. Face tattoos are prevailed in Saisyat, with forehead tattoos for women and forehead, chin and chest tattoos for men.

Yami (Tao)

The Yami tribe resides on Orchid Island of Taitung with the population around 3,000 (June, 2007). Because of its independent island life, traditional cultures are very well preserved. The patriarchal clans and fishing communities are in charge of the community affairs. They have abundant art and cultural creations, such as: canoes with beautiful carvings and silver utensils. Traditional houses are built underground to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Tribal ceremonies of a year go with the activities of capturing the flying fish. The hair dance of Yami women is unique among all tribes. As for the worrier dance of men, it demonstrates both strength and beauty.

Thao

The population of Thao is about 600 (June, 2007). According to the legend, the ancestors of Thao followed a white deer to Sun Moon Lake and settled. Thao is a patriarchal society and has been deeply influenced by the Han culture, yet some of its own cultures are still remained. The custom of hanging ancestor’s basket on the left corner in the living room of each house is unique to Thao tribe. Chief is the decision maker of tribal ceremonies and the arbiter of social affairs. The position is inherited from generation to generation usually by the eldest son. The pestle song and music can best represent the Thao music.

Kavalan

The population of Kavalan is about 1,000 (June, 2007). Kavalans believe that everything on earth has a spirit, and this belief leads to its unique ceremonial cultures and healing rituals. Healing rituals are conducted by shamans after drinking, inviting ancestors’ spirits to present and assist. They would sing shamanic songs during the healing process. Kavalans are proud of preserving traditional Kavalan cultures in daily lives.

Truku

The population of Truku is around 22,000 (June, 2007). About three to four hundred years ago, the ancestors of Truku set off from Nantou County climbing over Mount Chilai of the Central Range and moved eastward along the valley of Liwu River. Trukus are good at hunting and weaving. Today, there are still blacksmiths making knifes with traditional techniques and shamans in the tribe. Ancestral worship ceremony is held every year. The legend about the rainbow bridge of ancestors has significant and special meanings for the tribe.

Sakizaya

The Sakizaya originally lived on the Chilai Plain (Hua-lien Plain). It is a matriarchal society, and the male would move in with the female’s family as a son after getting married. They lived on both fishing and hunting on the Hua-lien Chilai Plain. Because of the early contact with Kavalans in recent history. Sakizayas learned paddy farming from them. Thus, it has an early history of growing paddy rice.