Saisiyat Folk Culture Museum

The serene Xiangtian Lake, illuminated by the clear sky, reflects the surrounding mountains and waters, presenting a picturesque scene. During winter and spring, it is often enveloped in dense fog, creating a distinct, misty beauty. The Saisiyat Folk Culture Museum is nestled right beside this beautiful lake. The Saisiyat are a minority group among Taiwan's indigenous peoples. Statistics show their population is only about 5,000, primarily residing in Wufeng Township (Hsinchu County) and Nanzhuang and Shitan Townships (Miaoli County). Divided by Mount E'gongji and Mount Hengpingbei, they form two subgroups: the Northern Saisiyat and the Southern Saisiyat. Due to their small population, cultural preservation is challenging. Therefore, the Miaoli County Government secured funding to establish the Saisiyat Folk Culture Museum by Xiangtian Lake, ensuring the proper preservation and transmission of Saisiyat cultural artifacts. The first floor houses a souvenir shop, a restaurant, and a collection room. The restaurant directly faces Xiangtian Lake, so during construction, its walls were replaced with floor-to-ceiling windows, allowing visitors to enjoy the lake scenery while dining. On sunny days, visitors can also order a drink and relax at the outdoor café. The second floor features a service counter, a thematic exhibition area, and a multimedia presentation room. The third floor has an outdoor plaza displaying life-sized models of Saisiyat traditional houses, allowing visitors to understand Saisiyat architectural craftsmanship through direct observation. Additionally, there are spaces like a surname wall introducing Saisiyat clan names and a reception room. The museum collects numerous Saisiyat bamboo crafts, ramie textiles, indigenous artworks, and fishing and farming tools used by the tribe. It also explains the procedures of Saisiyat ceremonies. It not only serves as a place for outsiders to learn about the Saisiyat people but also bears the mission of transmitting Saisiyat culture. In the future, the museum plans to host various exhibitions focusing on Saisiyat photography, crafts, and cuisine, enriching its content and enabling it to gain international recognition as a world-class cultural institution. Origin of the Dwarf Spirit Festival (Pas-ta'ai): In ancient times, a group of short, dark-skinned people, less than one meter tall, possessed many skills. They taught the Saisiyat people farming methods and ways to worship spirits, providing the Saisiyat with stable livelihoods. Each year during harvest, the Saisiyat would invite these 'short dark people' to their village to celebrate the bounty. Gradually, however, these invited 'short dark people' began to behave improperly towards Saisiyat women. During one harvest festival, the Saisiyat people devised a trap, causing the death of the 'short dark people.' Afterward, harvests were no longer as abundant as in previous years. To appease the spirits of the deceased 'short dark people,' the 'Dwarf Spirit Festival' (Pas-ta'ai) was initiated, held in mid-October of the lunar calendar. Originally an annual event, it is now held as a minor festival every two years and a grand festival every ten years. 【Ticket Prices】 ● Full Price: NT$30 ● Group Ticket (20 people or more): NT$20 ● Concession Ticket (Miaoli County residents): NT$10 ● Free Admission: 1. Children under six years old. 2. Individuals with disabilities holding a disability certificate, and one essential companion. 3. Individuals aged sixty-five and above. 4. Individuals holding a low-income household certificate. 5. Indigenous residents registered in Miaoli County are granted free admission to the Miaoli County Saisiyat Folk Culture Museum and the Miaoli County Atayal Culture Museum. 《Valid proof must be presented for concession tickets or free admission.》