Pingtung tribal community spotlights aboriginal culture

2016/01/12

A tribal community in Pingtung County is rising in prominence as a window of artwork and culture for the indigenous Paiwan and Rukai peoples of southern Taiwan.

Situated near Beidawu Mountain in the Central Mountain Range, Rinari was established in December 2010 to accommodate displaced victims of 2009’s Typhoon Morakot. It comprises 483 households originally from Pingtung’s Dashe Village in Sandimen Township, Haocha Village in Wutai Township and Majia Village in Majia Township.

The community, described by ROC President Ma Ying-jeou as the “Provence of Taiwan,” is fast becoming a photographer’s paradise on the strength of its assortment of eye-catching buildings and facilities. It is also famed for popular displays of creations by resident artists forming the backbone of a craft festival organized by the county government since 2014.

Among these is “Fragrant Breeze on the Hill” by Paiwan Etan Pavavalung. The massive metal and wood mural in bright orange on the wall of a building draws attention to the need for environmental conservation.

Of particular interest is the artist’s use of 51 spoons to form different shapes of windmills in memory of the 51 people from his Davalan Village who were killed by Morakot.

Another striking artwork is “Silent Protest,” a piece of ironworks and paintings by Pacake Taugadhu. It expresses the struggle of Rinari to build a viable tourism industry in the community, as well as the Rukai artist’s discontent over disrespectful behavior of some visitors.

Equally captivating is “Meal Time,” a dramatic installation comprising numerous spoons of various shapes and sizes. The work is said to reflect the bright, happy-go-lucky attitude of the community’s residents.

According to the county government, several local groups are introducing travel packages to offer visitors a glimpse into the unique heritage of the two tribes. It is expected this measure will further promote this special part of the world with tourists from home and abroad while building last prosperity.

Source: Taiwan Today (http://taiwantoday.tw/ct.asp?xItem=241083&ctNode=2194&mp=9)