The Tsou Tribe of Taiwan is a group of indigenous people who have resided in the Alishan Mountains in central Taiwan for over 400 years with a deep cultural connection to the land. Self-proclaimed as the “Tsou”, which means “people”, according to their language, they believe that their existence is thanks to the great god, Hamo, who used maple leaves to create their ancestors. Although the Tsou Tribe is not the most prominent group of indigenous people residing within Taiwan’s borders, its cultural legacy is still worthy of passing down to future generations.

Throughout history, the Tsou people have always been a peaceful tribe. Regardless of whether the newcomers to their land were the Han people of the Qing Dynasty, or the Japanese people during their colonial rule of Taiwan, the Tsou had always maintained positive relationships with
them— leading them into the mountains for farming, assisting the government during an uprising, gifting tributes, and receiving education in language, medicine, and agriculture. They are brave for their willingness to meet new people and ideas with an attitude of acceptance. They currently even participate in social movements to gain rights for all indigenous individuals.

Besides their historical legacy, the Tsou are also distinctive in their rituals, food, and clothing. In their festival customs, the Tsou tribe holds rituals such as the Milet Harvest Ceremony to thank the gods for a bountiful harvest and the Triumphal Ceremony to showcase their military
achievements. In food, the Tsou people are renowned for their bamboo tube rice— a dish made by placing glutinous rice into osmanthus bamboo joints and then roasting the tube over a fire.

Finally, the traditional clothing of the Tsou people is worthy of note. The materials used for clothing are primarily leather for men and cotton, silk, or satin for women. The colors used on clothing are typically red, white, black, and blue. Men’s attire includes long-sleeved tops and animal skin clothing, with hats being of exceptional importance. Accessories such as copper bracelets, arm ornaments, or decoration of red bands on men’s hats using feathers, pearls, jade, and shell pieces often represent a warrior’s bravery and accomplishments. Women’s clothing includes black headscarves, long-sleeved tops, long skirts, and foot wraps. Each
person’s clothing signifies their age and status.

Ultimately, the origins, history, and customs of the Tsou Tribe such as their rituals, food, and clothing characterize them as one of the many important indigenous tribes who leave a permanent imprint on Taiwan!

References: 

Cou. Council of Indigenous Peoples. (n.d.-b). https://www.cip.gov.tw/en/tribe/grid-list/210A52DE4470D46BD0636733C6861689/info.html?cumid=D0636733C6861689