The Lives and Culture of the Paiwan and Rukai Peoples of Southern Taiwan
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Vest
Paiwan people, Southern Taiwan, Second half of the 19th–start of the 20th centuryAsian Gallery (Toyokan) Room 13
January 2, 2025 (Thu) - March 23, 2025 (Sun)Taiwan's population includes not only Han Chinese, who originally came from the mainland, but also 16 indigenous tribes. Of these tribes, the Paiwan and the Rukai, who live in southern Taiwan, are considered separate ethnic groups due to their different languages. However, both these peoples share similar customs and traditions: they each form a hereditary society consisting of the nobility and commoners; live in houses made of stacked stone slabs; use connected cups, which are designed for two people to drink side by side at the same time; and use on their craftwork the design of a venomous snake, which is believed to kill people before they could walk a hundred steps if it bites them.
This exhibit introduces clothing and tools pertaining to the daily lives and culture of the Paiwan and Rukai peoples. The artifacts on display reflect the social and spiritual values of these two peoples.
| Designation | Name | Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance |
Period | Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number |
CMT | ||
| Highlight | Vest | Paiwan people, Southern Taiwan | Second half of the 19th–start of the 20th century | TK-238 | |||
| Highlight | Sword | Paiwan people, Southern Taiwan | Second half of the 19th–start of the 20th century | TK-529 |