Pingtung County Paiwan Tribal Carving Museum Introduction
The Paiwan people have long been skilled in woodworking and carving crafts. In the strictly hierarchical society of the Paiwan, not only the nobility could possess carved items, but sculptors were also predominantly men of noble status. Paiwan carvings come in various forms, such as hair combs, spoons, decorative pieces, door lintels of buildings, ceremonial daggers, and religious artifacts, all showcasing unique craftsmanship. The themes of these carvings primarily depict hunting scenes, ancestral figures, and mythological stories, with human head statues and the motif of the hundred-step snake being the most common. To fully present the unique characteristics of Paiwan artifacts and to educate more people about Paiwan craftsmanship, the Paiwan Sculpture Museum was established in 1995 by the Pingtung County Cultural Affairs Bureau. This specialized collection museum provides detailed introductions to the evolution and development of Paiwan crafts through graphic displays, complemented by physical exhibits that allow visitors to appreciate the profound beauty of Paiwan artworks. The museum is divided into five main exhibition areas: the "Graphic Display Area" introduces the social hierarchical structure of the Paiwan and the history of carving evolution; the "Ecological Display Area" showcases the types of carvings and carving techniques; the "Large Sculpture Display Area" features large human figurative sculptures; the "Contemporary Sculpture Display Area" displays works by contemporary Paiwan artists; and the "Thematic Display Area" exhibits everyday items, religious artifacts, hunting weapons, and more. Through the mysterious patterns of human heads, snake motifs, sun designs, and windmill patterns found on the carvings, visitors can gain deeper insights into the religious beliefs and mythological narratives of the Paiwan people. In addition to carving works, the Paiwan Sculpture Museum also exhibits glass beads and pottery, and notably, a traditional Paiwan stone slate house is displayed in its original form, which nearly presents the essence of Paiwan art in its entirety. A visit here will surely provide a more profound understanding of Paiwan artistic culture.
