Pingtung County Paiwan Tribal Carving Museum Introduction
The Paiwan people are renowned for their carving craftsmanship. In the strictly hierarchical society of the Paiwan, not only could only nobles own carved artworks, but the majority of the carvers were also male aristocrats. The types of Paiwan carvings are diverse, including items such as combs, spoons, decorative objects, door lintels of buildings, ceremonial knives, and religious artifacts, all showcasing unique carving techniques. Common themes in carving subjects include hunting scenes, ancestral images, and mythological stories, with human heads and the patterns of the pit viper being the most prevalent forms. To present the unique characteristics of Paiwan cultural artifacts and to help more people understand their craft culture, the Paiwan Carving Museum was established in Pingtung County in 1995. This specialized museum details the development and evolution of Paiwan craftsmanship through graphic displays and physical exhibits, allowing visitors to appreciate the profound beauty of Paiwan artworks. The museum is divided into five major exhibition areas: the "Graphic Display Area," which introduces the social hierarchy of the Paiwan and the history of carving evolution; the "Ecological Display Area," which showcases types of carvings and carving techniques; the "Large Carving Display Area," which exhibits large human figures; the "Contemporary Carving Display Area," showcasing works by contemporary Paiwan artists; and the "Thematic Display Area," featuring everyday items, religious objects, hunting weapons, and more. The mysterious patterns of human heads, serpent designs, sun motifs, and pinwheel patterns on the carvings provide insights into the religious beliefs and mythological legends of the Paiwan. In addition to carvings, the Paiwan Carving Museum also displays glass beads and pottery. Notably, a traditional Paiwan stone slab house is presented in its original form, almost entirely revealing the artistic essence of the Paiwan people. A visit here is sure to deepen one’s understanding of Paiwan artistic culture.
