Social Relationships

This exhibition room shows the social relationships within and across the tribes, as well as the clans, social ranking, genders and families. There are five themes: Introduction, Tribal Relationship of Pingpu, the Diversity of Atayal Tribal Culture, the Tribe and Architectures of Paiwan, the Division of Labor by Genders of Amis.

1. Introduction

Here explains the legend concerning the origin of the tribes, sacrifices, the means of livelihood, architecture, families and clans of Austronesian tribes, as well as displays the distribution map of Austronesian tribes and the representative artifacts of each tribe.

2. Tribal Relationships-The Plain

The exchange between the Plain people and the Han Chinese is the focal point concerning tribal relationship. The complicated tribal relationship is interpreted through displays including ancient title deeds, cultivation permission, stone monuments, Chuluo County Chronicles, and the recent cultural renaissance of the Plain.

3. Cultural Pluralism -The Atayal

The Atayal is the most widely dispersed tribe in Taiwan, and is known for their weaving skills. The differences between the Atayal and its secondary braches can be observed from the dress and ornaments. The cloths and ornaments are also influenced upon and by the nearby tribes, such as the Saisiat and Amis.

4. The Culture of Architecture-The Paiwan

The refined architecture of the slat houses and sculptures are the symbol and artistic expression of social ranking. The location of the tribe, the Chief's house, and exquisite wood sculptures manifest the marvelous art and architectural sophistication of the Paiwan.

5. Sexual Division of Labor and Relationships within the Tribe-The Amis

The sexual division of labors is obvious in Amis society where families are formed upon maternal basis, and that both genders share equally important status. This tribe has a tight age organization, and both genders are responsible for different jobs respectively. There are tattoos that one should not touch the tools specialized for the use of the opposite sex, tools such as men's hunting tools and women's pottery tools.