Tongpu Ryukyu People's Tomb Introduction
The Tongpu Ryukyu People’s Tomb, also known as the Ryukyu Domain People's Tomb, was established in 1871 (the 10th year of Qing Tongzhi). That year, two ships bound for Naha to pay tribute encountered a typhoon on their return journey. A few days later, the ships ran aground in Bay of Bayao, Hengchun, with 66 crew members landing to seek refuge. They inadvertently trespassed into the indigenous territory and, due to language barriers, had a severe conflict with the local Paiwan people. As a result, 54 Ryukyu people were brutally killed and later buried in Tongpu Village. Initially, no monument was erected for the Tongpu Ryukyu People’s Tomb. In 1874, the Japanese, under the pretext of residents being harmed, landed at the Pingtung's Gaosiboshe, Mudanshe, and Nuying She and engaged in fierce fighting with the indigenous people (known as the Mudan Incident). They then erected the monument "Tomb of Fifty-Four Ryukyu Domain People of Greater Japan" at this site, which was the earliest monument left by the Japanese in Taiwan. During the period of Japanese rule in Taiwan, funds were regularly allocated for maintenance work, and even historians from Okinawa came to promote the tomb restoration movement. Thus, despite the passage of several centuries, the tomb remains intact and has left an indelible historical legacy. Although the exterior of the Ryukyu People’s Tomb has viewing value, the deeper cultural significance it embodies is even more profound. This is because the indigenous peoples of the past still inherited headhunting culture; therefore, the victims buried in the tomb, while known by name and descendants, are without heads. This historical tragedy not only left regrets from the bloodshed but also allows future generations to witness a valuable cultural heritage reflective of its time.
