Thematic Exhibition　Living on the Beautiful Island of Formosa: Historical Artifacts of the Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan

Lunchbox
Pinuyumayan people, Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan, Second half of 19th century–start of the 20th century

Japanese Archaeology and Special Exhibition (Heiseikan) Thematic Exhibition Room
March 10, 2026 (Tue) - May 31, 2026 (Sun)

The island of Taiwan was once known as “Ilha Formosa,” a name given by Portuguese sailors to mean “beautiful island” when they passed by in the 16th century. At the time, many people were already living in Taiwan. Following the expansion of the Dutch East India Company and the conquest of the general Koxinga(1624–1662), Han Chinese people began to migrate to and live in Taiwan in the 17th century.
The different peoples who had already been living on Taiwan island and the surrounding archipelagos called themselves “indigenous peoples”—presently, the Taiwanese government officially recognizes 16 indigenous ethnic groups. The current exhibition introduces the rich lives of Taiwanese indigenous peoples through the objects in the Tokyo National Museum’s collection.
The Museum would like to express its sincere gratitude to The Al Thani Collection Foundation for generously supporting the research conducted for this thematic exhibition.

Major Work(s) on Exhibit 8 results

	Designation	Name		Creation/ Excavation/ Provenance	Period	Acquisition/ Ownership/ Accession Number	CMT
		Hat		Atayal people, Wulai District, New Taipei City, Taiwan	Second half of the 19th century–start of the 20th century	TK-589
		Shoulder Robe		Atayal people, Wulai District, New Taipei City, Taiwan	Second half of the 19th century–start of the 20th century	TK-582
		Vest		Bunun people, Ren'ai Township, Nantou County, Taiwan	Second half of the 19th century–start of the 20th century	TK-322
Highlight		Vest		Paiwan people, Shihzih Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan	Second half of 19th century–start of the 20th century	TK-238
Highlight		Lunchbox		Pinuyumayan people, Taitung City, Taitung County, Taiwan	Second half of 19th century–start of the 20th century	TK-517
Highlight		Armor		Tao people, Orchid Island, Taitung County, Taiwan	Second half of 19th century–start of the 20th century	Gift of Mr. Yamato Iwatarō, TK-3344
Highlight		Helmet		Tao people, Orchid Island, Taitung County, Taiwan	Second half of 19th century–start of the 20th century	Gift of Mr. Yamato Iwatarō, TK-3345
Highlight		Pan Dunzai on an Outing (Copy)	Hanging scroll	Taiwan	Start of the 20th century; original: 1747	A-9909	On exhibit through April 19, 2026

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