Sandimen Art Village Introduction
Sandimen Village is the political and economic center of Sandimen Township in Pingtung County. The streets are arranged in a neat checkerboard pattern, with buildings constructed along the sloped land, appearing as a gradually rising staircase from a distance, creating a unique tribal landscape. Sandimen Village is known for its craftsmanship, boasting a high artistic standard of various handicrafts that not only promote local tourism but also carry the mission of cultural heritage preservation. Visiting Sandimen Art Village, one can easily discover numerous craft museums and galleries showcasing pottery, stone carvings, wood carvings, glass beads, and traditional indigenous clothing. Each craft exhibit offers a different artistic flavor, but they all fully display the creative energy of the Paiwan and Rukai tribes, giving each craft piece a distinctive artistic life. Walking through the rich artistic atmosphere of Sandimen makes one feel as though they are in a treasure trove full of Indigenous charm. In earlier times, the Paiwan and Rukai people regarded glass beads as family heirlooms or betrothal gifts, symbolizing power and aristocratic status. Different glass beads also carry meanings of nobility, protection, courage, deep love, abundance, and longing. Consequently, the brightly colored and attractive glass beads are highly sought after as handicrafts, often designed as bracelets, necklaces, and phone charms, featuring simple yet beautiful shapes. Moreover, there are DIY workshops for glass beads, allowing visitors to experience the joy of making their own beads. Many Paiwan and Rukai artists work in personal studios, such as the renowned sculptor Sakuliu, who is skilled in carving, painting, and pottery. His works often draw inspiration from daily life or mythological stories, characterized by meticulous craftsmanship. Master Ege, known for his ceramic art, excels in incorporating indigenous totems into his pottery. Perhaps, in an unconstrained environment, these artists can unleash their unique artistic creations, and a visit to their studios will surely touch one with their focused creative spirit. In addition to exploring the art village, one can also visit Koushe Village, which has a pristine and tranquil environment, with particularly stunning valley views. The combination of cliffs, boulders, and streams creates an enchanting scene. Walking along the old沿山 (Yanshan) Highway, one can admire a beautifully designed suspension bridge in the distance, and not far from the road is a precious historical relic: a waterway built during the Japanese colonial period.
