Pingtung County Paiwan Tribe Carving Museum Introduction
The Paiwan people have long been known for their carving craftsmanship. In the strictly hierarchical society of the Paiwan, not only could only nobles own carved artworks, but most sculptors were also male nobles. The types of Paiwan carvings are diverse, including hair combs, spoons, decorative items, building lintels, ceremonial swords, and religious artifacts, all showcasing unique craftsmanship. The themes of the carvings mainly express hunting scenes, ancestral figures, and mythical stories. As for the sculptural forms, human head portraits and hundred-step snake patterns are the most common. To fully present the characteristics of Paiwan artifacts and to allow more people to understand the craftsmanship culture of the Paiwan, the Paiwan Carving Museum was established in 1995 by the Cultural Bureau of Pingtung County. This thematic collection museum provides detailed introductions to the development and evolution of Paiwan crafts through graphic texts and physical exhibits, allowing visitors to appreciate the profound beauty of Paiwan artworks. The Paiwan Carving 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 the types of carvings and carving techniques; the "Large Sculpture Display Area," which exhibits large human sculptures; the "Contemporary Sculpture Display Area," which features works by contemporary Paiwan artists; and the "Thematic Display Area," which displays everyday items, religious artifacts, hunting weapons, and more. The mysterious patterns on the carvings, such as human heads, snake patterns, sun motifs, and windmill patterns, provide deep insights into the Paiwan's religious beliefs and mythology. In addition to carved works, the Paiwan Carving Museum also exhibits glass beads and pottery. Notably, a traditional Paiwan stone slab house is also presented in its original form, almost flawlessly showcasing the essence of Paiwan art. It is believed that visiting this museum will lead to a deeper understanding of Paiwan artistic culture.
