Lion Township Cultural Relic Museum Introduction
The Shizi Township Cultural Relics Museum is located in Fenglin Village, Shizi Township, Pingtung County, right next to the Shizi Township Office. It is a museum rich in indigenous characteristics, designed to resemble the traditional stone houses of indigenous peoples, with walls and roofs that reflect this style. The walls feature totem carvings of various symbols, including the hundred-step snake, chief figures, and pottery jars. The architectural design and carvings were a collaborative effort between Li Jixiang, the chairperson of the Shizi Township Representatives, artist Hsieh Wende from Mudan Township, and sculptor You Chengzhou from Ma Jia Township. The exterior of the building showcases a strong presence of the Paiwan culture and is the first museum dedicated to the Paiwan people. The Paiwan society has a strict hierarchical system, where only the nobility has the right to carve the pillars and beams of their homes. Common decorative motifs include snake patterns, human figures, human-snake integration patterns, wild boar motifs, and deer patterns. These designs are characterized by a sense of stillness, positivity, and symmetry; most carvings are expressed in two-dimensional forms, and the finished wood sculptures feature a rugged style that is unrestricted. The colors traditionally used are primarily red, black, and white. The Shizi Township Cultural Relics Museum mainly collects various artistic works from the Paiwan people, particularly highlighting the "Hundred-Year Old Woodcarving of the Hunter's Society," made from century-old beech wood. This heavy wooden carving serves as a door panel, intricately depicting indigenous figures, making it a rare and precious item. Originally used as a cover for an ancient well in Fangliao Township, it now stands as the museum's treasured exhibit, following efforts by the Shizi Township Office and the Fangliao Cultural Relics Promotion Association to retrieve and plan its display. In addition to serving as an exhibition space for indigenous artifacts, the Shizi Township Cultural Relics Museum also sells leather carvings hand-made by local indigenous women, including keychains, wallets, coin pouches, and pencil cases. These products are not only of high quality and beautifully designed but also carry meaningful stories, making them perfect gifts for both personal use and presentation.
