Alishan Tapangʉ Mayasvi Cultural Pathway Base

Tapangʉ, a tribe in Alishan Township, Chiayi County, is one of the important Tsou settlements. It possesses a rich culture of rituals, oral traditions, handicraft skills, and natural landscape resources. These cultural characteristics are not only an essential part of Tsou life but also a symbol of their ethnic identity. Our association has long been dedicated to preserving and promoting the cultural characteristics and stories of the Tapangʉ community. We hope to ensure the continuous transmission and development of these cultural assets in modern society through cultural tours, educational outreach, and local revitalization initiatives. Cultural Features of Tapangʉ Tribe: 1. Seasonal Ritual Culture: The core culture of the Tapangʉ tribe is embodied in three major seasonal rituals: the Miyapo sowing ritual, which marks the beginning of the year; the Homeyaya millet harvest ritual, symbolizing family reunions and mutual visits; and the Mayasvi ritual (for which an important folk preservation and maintenance plan has been completed). These rituals are not just religious ceremonies but also maintain the connection between various tribal families and nature and spirits. 2. Japanese Colonial Period: Taiwan became a Japanese colony during the period from 1895 to 1945. This period greatly influenced the development of the Tapangʉ community. The Japanese began constructing infrastructure, such as roads and public buildings, which changed the appearance of the village. At that time, there were also many Japanese-style buildings, which now stand as historical witnesses. Currently, one well-preserved Japanese-style official residence with an intact structure still remains. 3. Handicrafts and Cultural Skills: The handicraft skills of the Tapangʉ community embody the cultural aesthetics and life wisdom of the Tsou people. Tribal women excel at weaving, using natural materials to create practical items such as rattan baskets and traditional clothing, while tribal men specialize in wood carving and bamboo crafts. These handicrafts play an important role in rituals. The Tapangʉ tribe is a community that highly values cultural preservation and transmission. Its historical and cultural lineage is profound, and its unique ritual traditions and wisdom of coexisting with nature are important symbols of Taiwan's diverse culture. The Tsou and Nature Cultural Center has been established here, and through years of effort by our association, various activities have been organized to allow more people to understand and experience the traditional culture of the Tsou people. This project centers on the traditional Mayasvi ritual, combining the renovation and curation of ritual spaces, cultural tours, and experiential itineraries, to achieve the comprehensive goals of cultural preservation, educational promotion, and local revitalization. We hope to activate and innovate cultural assets, allowing more people to learn about and experience the history and wisdom of the Tsou people, and to build the Tapangʉ tribe into a model base for cultural preservation and innovative practices.