The indigenous group

As of year 2008, as much as 14 tribes have been recognized. The 4 biggest tribes are namely:

Amis 阿美族

This group is Taiwan's largest indigenous groups populating at 37.5% of the total indigenous people. The Amis people resides in the eastern valleys and coastal area. They are well known for their vibrant singing and dance celebrations during the Ilisin harvest festival held on summer months. The Amis group are further sub divided into smaller groups where each of them has a different dialect, customs and style of dressing. The group has a matrilineal clan structure and a system of inheritance.

Atayal 泰雅

The second largest group, Atayal scattered throughout the northern part of central Taiwan's mountainous region. Their society adheres strictly to the gaga ancestral instruction system, a set of regulations and beliefs passed down from long ago. Facial tattooing is an important feature in the coming of age ceremonies and a symbol of status traditionally. The Atayal woman are known for their weaving skills of colorful fabrics and in the past, this could determine hr social status. The male members of the Atayal inherit their father's first name as their last name.

Video: Atayal-Time and Music in a Disappearing World

Paiwan 排灣

The next largest group after the Atayal is the Paiwan group who inhabits in the southern central mountain range and southern coastal region. Their group are divided into two major subgroups, Raval and Butsul. The Paiwan people follows a bilineal system of inheritance and has a strict social hierarchy consisting of chief, nobility, warriors and commoners. The chief owns land and hunting grounds and his position is hereditary, the nobility were free to engage in leisure activities such as sculpture while the warriors are highly respected for their achievements and could include commoners who possess outstanding skills in hunting.
The most important ceremony to their culture is 'Maleveq', which is held every five years, lasting for 15 days.

Bunun 布農

Next comes the Bunun group who is the fourth largest group of indigenous people. The live on the highest mountains in Taiwan where they practice shifting cultivation and hunting. Major Bunun ceremonies includes "millet ceremony" and "ear-shooting ceremony", where they shot arrows through the animal's ears during their hunting ritual. It is believed that this will bring a good harvest.

The simplicity of Bunun women’s clothing and accessories gives them an elegant style

Other tribal groups includes Kavalan, Pinuyumayan, Rukai, Saisiyat, Sakizaya, Sediq, Thao, Truku, Tsou. One of the group which I find it more interesting is perhaps, the Yami 雅美 group.

The Yami people live on Orchid Island off Taiwan's southeastern coast. Unlike the other tribes of Taiwan, they have an oceanic culture. The launch of a newly built boat is a major celebration in their culture and the women's hair-swinging dance is unique to them. The Yami live in special houses made of stone and wood which helps them maintain coolness in summer and retain heat in winter.

Hair swing dance

Challenges however, remains in promoting indigenous cultures, especially with the migration of indigenous people to cities. A large percentage of people left in the groups are the elderly.

An overview of indigenous group

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