Time Traveler: Story of a forgotten people
Shihhan | August 19, 2009
During the 16th and 17th centuries, as European maritime powers expanded commercial activities in the Far East, Taiwan began to be included in the global colonial system. Taiwan’s indigenous peoples, scattered all over the island, also became a subject of observation by explorers.
Of all the indigenous peoples, the Pingpu Group living in the coastal and plains areas was the one that had the earliest and deepest contact with the outside world. Following this contact the Pingpu Group’s culture and tradition gradually declined.
In an exhibition dedicated to the Pingpu Group, which includes subgroups such as the Ketagalan, Kavalan, Taokas, Papora, Babuza, Pazeh, Hoanya, and Siraya, National Taiwan Museum brings forth traces of this forgotten people.
Click on the link below to listen to the program and scroll down to see some of the exihibits.
Listen to Time Traveler (August 19, 2009)
Mandible of Deer, Long-men Old Settlement Site, circa. 17th-19th centuries
Map of Taiwan under the Reign of Kang-xi Emperor, circa.1699-1704 (first late re-drawing)
Hsu Shu, The Genre Paintings of Taiwan Indigenous Peoples, 1820
Certificate Accredits A-mo as the the Local Headman Issued by the Chu-lo County Magistrate, 1715
First-hand Land Ownership Contract of the Hsia-tan-shui Village Approved by Headman A-li-mo et al, 1721
Deeds of Permanent Lease of Indigenous Land Issue by Ta-qaviran Village, 1828
Bronze Statues, the Tarovaken Village, Houlong, Miaoli County
Men's Sleeveless Jacket of the Pazeh Tribe
Oar of the Kavalan Tribe
Ox carriage of the 19th Century
Carved House Plank with Human Figure in Headwear Motif of the Kavalan Tribe
It is not really correct to say the Pingpu disappeared. Although their culture was largely absorbed into that of the dominant Chinese speaking culture, a clear and distinct Pingpu identity survived well into the twentieth century. Some elements of their culture still survive and this is the reason why people still seek to claim Pingpu identity today.
Hi David,
Thanks so much for the comment. You’re right “disappear” is rather an overstatement. I think I should say their culture gradually became unnoticed. I know that a number of Siraya descendents in southern Taiwan are trying to revive their language and culture and I admire their effort. I’ll revise the wording of the blog entry, and thanks again for bringing this to my attention.