Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan

by: Rebecca C. Fan

Out of Taiwan's total populations of 21.3 millions, there are more than three hundred and fifty thousand who are indigenous tribal peoples. Distinguished from the majority Han Taiwanese, indigenous tribal groups are part of the so-called Malayo-Polynesians.

Linguistically, they are recognized as sub-groups of the Austronesian-speaking family. Therefore they are also called the Austronesians. Despite the fact that their languages are derived from the same root, the languages they currently speak are not mutually comprehensible between groups. All indigenous tribal groups are generally known and officially recognized as the Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan.

Some Taiwanese anthropologists refer to them as the earliest inhabitants of Taiwan. They themselves prefer to be addressed by their tribal names. They are the:

Ami, Atayal, Paiwan, Bunun, Rukai, Puyuma, Tsou, Saisia, Yami (Da-Wu) and Pinpu.

According to anthropometric measurements and genetic studies conducted by the Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, the results indicate substantial differences among them. Based on social-cultural comparisons, the differences are even more interesting. In terms of family structure and kinship, there are three groups characterized by stem family structure with an equal status for both patri and matrilateral kin (such as the Paiwan, Rukai, and Puyuma). There are three patrilineal societies with patrilocal residence (such as the Bunun, Tsao, and Saisai), one matrilineal society with matrilocal residence (the example is the Ami), still two others are characterized by nuclear family units, patrilocal residence and parallel status for both bilateral kin.

Contemporary Song Lyrics

composed by

Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan

Forever will be Indigenous Peoples

by DagaNow (Paiwan/Rukai)

Mountain will always be mountain
Indigenous Poeple will always be Indigenous People
Wherever you go, wherever you end up
Indigenous People will always be Indigenous People

Homesick

by Chanien (Puyuma)

Isn't it true that only when one departs, does one feel homesick?
Although I am still standing on this land I called home,
no pre-warning,
I become emotionally furious and have no peace.
Because my father had once said to me:

"This land used to be our land........"

Really Want To Go Home

by DagaNow (Paiwan/Rukai)

Indigenous Peoples straying in the city
Do not have much luxury to dream
Blood with special mark flowing in the body
Do not know if tomorrow will still be the same
Indigenous Peoples living under uncertainty
Wounded souls want to go back to their homeland
Have been reluctantly in disguise for so long
Do not know if tomorrow will still be the same
Really want to go home
Really want to go home
At the end, Indigenous Peoples are all the same
Young men earn their livings in city factories
Young girls are forced into prostitution
Realized that life is no easy task
Do not know if tomorrow will still be the same
What will be the future for Indigenous Peoples
To speak of it made my heart feel sore
Ask for the answer made my heart go panic
Do not know if tomorrow will still be the same
Really want to go home
Really want to go home
At the end, Indigenous Peoples are all the same.

Other Sites:

ATAYAL

Village In The Clouds

Yami Legend of the Founding of Hungtou Village Story

Legend of Tribal Origins Story

Puyuma Legend of Tribal Origins Story

Tsou Legend of the Origin of Headhunting Story

Bunun Legend of the Flood Story

Atayal Legend of Shooting the Sun Story

Saisiat Legend of the Origin of the Dwarf Spirit Ceremony Story

Rukai Legend of the Founding of Villages Story

Paiwan Legend of the Flood

Indigenous Peoples' Literature Return to Indigenous Peoples' Literature

Compiled by: Glenn Welker





This site has been accessed 10,000,000 times since February 8, 1996.