The Puyuma people, an indigenous group from the Southeastern plains of Taiwan, have a rich cultural heritage with two distinct origin myths. The Beinan Village community believes in a bamboo origin, while the Zhiben Village community subscribes to a stone origin narrative. Traditionally, the Puyuma have supported themselves through agriculture, growing crops such as soybeans and wheat, and have adapted various farming tools and techniques introduced by its various colonizers over time.

The Puyuma are organized into several small tribes scattered across Taiwan’s Southeastern plains, including areas such as Taitung City and Beinan Township. Their geographic location has exposed them to various external influences from Chinese and Japanese settlers who came to cultivate the land. Despite these encounters, the Puyuma have managed to preserve their cultural traditions, including their unique practices of magic and rituals. One of the most notable traditions is the Annual Festival, also known as the Major Hunting Ritual, which serves as their New Year celebration.

Their vibrant attire is another striking element of Puyuma culture. The clothing is renowned for its vivid colors and intricate floral ornaments, with traditional garments showcasing bright reds, yellows, and greens. Female attire, displayed in the TECO Culture Center, features a black base color that highlights detailed needlework. The dresses are adorned with cross-stitch patterns in black and white diamonds, squares, and flowers, that are often made from hemp. Puyuma clothing also signifies social status, relationships, and age. Youths’ garments are particularly dazzling for males, while for females, the most elaborate clothing is worn when a female is at a marriageable age. This detailed introduction to the Puyuma Tribe offers a glimpse into their beliefs and way of life, reflecting a culture that has successfully blended tradition with the influences of outside encounters.

References:

“Taiwan Indigenous.” Indigenous Peoples Cultural Development Center, en.tacp.gov.tw/Indigenous/ItemDetail?ID=6ec56f03-4ed3-41f2-aa51-50a79cf09bd4. Accessed 4 July 2024. 

“Pinuyumayan.” 原住民族委員會全球資訊網,www.cip.gov.tw/en/tribe/grid-list/C9EB38FF61885E80D0636733C6861689/info.html?cumid=D0636733C6861689. Accessed 4 July 2024.