(Photo Credit: kaiana)
On the rich lands of Taitung, generations of Austronesian peoples have woven their ancestors’ wisdom into a vibrant cultural tapestry. Take Ibu, a Bunun weaver from the Kanting tribe, as an example. Alongside her mother, Chin-chiao Liu, she safeguards a unique patch of ramie fields, cultivating five varieties of ramie, including Japanese Aoaka and Fuxing Redheart. Every step, from harvesting to crafting, is imbued with traditional knowledge, producing clothing that carries a deep warmth and connection to heritage. In the Nanwang tribe, artisans from the “We are Mumu!” Studio work to preserve the traditional crafts of the Puyuma people. They not only revive the architecture of traditional Puyuma houses but also learn ancestral knowledge from village elders, combining it with innovative ideas to breathe new life into these century-old crafts for the modern era.
(Photo Credit: “We are Mumu!” Studio)
(Photo Credit: “We are Mumu!” Studio)
To ensure the sustainable transmission of these precious weaving crafts, artisans in Taitung are employing diverse promotion strategies. They innovate their products by transforming traditional techniques into modern designs, expand their sales through physical shops and online platforms, and work to create culturally distinctive brands. These efforts are particularly visible in the Shishan tribe, where local women skillfully use traditional shell ginger weaving techniques to craft unique hats and everyday items.
(Photo Credit: 大海的客廳)
They’ve also established a physical store at the Taitung Sugar Factory Cultural Park, where the entire process—from material gathering and weaving design to marketing—is a collaborative effort among community members.
(Photo Credit: 大海的客廳)
This approach not only creates job opportunities but also encourages young people to return and contribute to the local industry. To further support this cultural and creative energy, the Taitung County Government has founded Taiwan’s first Indigenous Cultural and Creative Industries Park (TTICC), providing a crucial base for talent cultivation and industry growth. This initiative helps artisans refine their designs, develop new products, and foster cross-disciplinary collaborations.
(Photo Credit: @taitung.ttstyle)
In recent years, the Taitung County Government has promoted the concept of a “slow economy,” using innovative approaches to drive the modernization of traditional crafts. With the rise of the digital age, Taitung’s artisans are actively integrating technology into traditional weaving. They optimize designs using 3D modeling, use digital platforms for global marketing, and even develop online learning platforms, allowing traditional weaving techniques to be passed down without geographic limitations. This innovative approach received significant attention at the 2024 FIND Asia Design Expo, where the Taitung pavilion stood out by perfectly blending traditional craftsmanship with modern design in a showcase of industrial products.
To further elevate Taitung’s weaving culture on an international scale, the Taitung County Government has launched the “Ripples of the Pacific” International Artist Residency Program, fostering creative exchanges among artists. International artists from Thailand, Singapore, and Tonga who participate in the residency not only learn traditional weaving techniques but also use modern technological tools to create innovative works that blend local elements with contemporary design. Meanwhile, Taitung artisans have also traveled abroad for cultural exchanges. For instance, Yu-Ching Wang’s residency at the Borneo Laboratory in Malaysia successfully merged Taitung’s traditional weaving techniques with modern design software, resulting in cultural products that have gained significant popularity in international markets.
(Photo Credit: Ripples of the Pacific)
These cross-disciplinary innovations not only demonstrate the adaptability of Taitung’s craftsmanship but also convey the unique value of Indigenous culture to the world. At the same time, Taitung is actively building a complete cultural and creative industry chain that encompasses talent cultivation, innovative research and development, and market expansion, establishing an industry ecosystem that supports the sustainable development of traditional crafts. Through this combination of tradition and innovation, Taitung is forging a unique path in cultural creativity, allowing the cultural treasures of this land to shine even brighter on the world stage.
Learn more about and experience Austronesian culture.
