Stories of Tribal Totems: Tracing the Creative Roots of Indigenous Art
Walking into the tribal communities of Taitung, one can often see lines and patterns on wood carvings, woven textiles, ceramic pots, and even on the backs of elders’ hands. These totems are not merely [...]
The Craft of Tao Plank Boats: Preserving a Living Ocean Heritage
On Orchid Island, the Tao people build intricate plank boats using wood, pegs, and resin—no nails required. Each boat carries generations of ecological knowledge, sacred symbolism, and a living connection to the sea.
Austronesian Craft in Taitung: Making Bark Cloth Through Cultural Memories
Bark cloth is one of the most iconic traditional crafts of the Austronesian peoples. Long before the invention of weaving, people repeatedly pounded the bark of the paper mulberry (Broussonetia papyrifera) and other Moraceae [...]
Slate Houses of Jialan Village: Preserving Rukai Architectural Heritage
In 1964, Mr. Chen Liu-chiu of the Rukai people moved with his family from Kucapungane (Haocha Village) in Wutai Township, Pingtung, trekking across mountains and eventually settling in Jialan Village, Jinfeng Township. In the [...]
From Byproduct to Cultural Creation: The Betel Nut Tree Leaf Craft of Taitung
To the Amis, the green betel nut (locally called icep) is more than food; it embodies deeper symbolism. Its inner moisture and sweet flavor are compared to a mother’s milk, making it a symbol [...]
The Historical Legacy and Sustainable Future of Taitung’s Indigenous Hunting Culture
In the traditional societies of Taitung’s Indigenous peoples, hunting has never been merely a means of obtaining food. According to field studies conducted by the National Museum of Prehistory between 2010 and 2011, in [...]
