Shizi Township Cultural Relics Exhibition Hall Introduction
The Shizi Township Museum of Cultural Relics is located in Fenglin Village, Shizi Township, Pingtung County, right next to the Shizi Township Office. It is a museum featuring significant indigenous characteristics, with walls and roofs designed to mimic indigenous slate houses. The walls are adorned with totem carvings of the hundred-pace snake, tribal leaders, and ceramic urns. The architectural design and decoration were completed in collaboration with Li Jixiang, the chairperson of the Shizi Township Council, artist Hsieh Wende from Mudan Township, and carver You Chengzhou from Majia Township. The building's exterior showcases a strong Paiwan tribal aesthetic and is the first museum of cultural relics for the Paiwan people. The social hierarchy in Paiwan society is clearly defined, with only the nobility allowed the privilege to carve on the pillars of their homes. Common motifs include snake patterns, human figures, motifs representing the unity of humans and snakes, wild boar patterns, and deer patterns. These designs exhibit a sense of stillness, positivity, and symmetry, mostly expressing themselves in two-dimensional space. The wooden carvings possess a rugged style that is free and unrestricted, while the commonly used colors are primarily red, black, and white. The Shizi Township Museum of Cultural Relics mainly collects various artworks created by the Paiwan people, particularly the "Century-Old Woodcarving of the Hunting and Gathering Society," made from century-old camphor wood. This woodcarving is an exceptionally thick door panel, carved with indigenous human figures, making it a rare and precious artifact. Originally used as a cover for an ancient well in Fangliao Township, it has now become the museum's treasure through efforts and planning by the Shizi Township Office and the Fangliao Cultural Relics Promotion Association. Moreover, the Shizi Township Museum of Cultural Relics not only serves as an exhibition space for indigenous artifacts but also sells leather products handcrafted by local indigenous women, such as keychains, wallets, coin purses, and pencil cases. These products are not only of high quality and beautiful designs but also carry meaningful stories, making them excellent gift choices for both personal use and presentation.
