Tongpu Liuchiu Minsu Introduction
The Tongpu Ryukyu Civilian Cemetery, also known as the Ryukyu Banzhin Cemetery, was established in 1871 (the 10th year of the Tongzhi era during the Qing Dynasty). That year, two ships en route to Naha for tribute encountered a typhoon on their return voyage. A few days later, the ships ran aground in Bay of Payao, Hengchun, where 66 crew members went ashore to take refuge. However, they accidentally intruded into the territory of the indigenous people, and due to a language barrier, they had a serious conflict with the local Paiwan people, resulting in the tragic death of 54 Ryukyuans, who were then buried in Tongpu Village. Initially, no monument was erected for the Tongpu Ryukyu Civilian Cemetery. In 1874, the Japanese, under the pretext of the residents being killed, landed in Pingtung at Gaosifu Temple, Mudan Village, and Nvying Village, and engaged in fierce battles with the indigenous people (known as the Mudan Incident). They erected the monument "Tomb of Fifty-four Ryukyuans of Daiken Nippon" at the cemetery, marking it as the earliest monument left by the Japanese during their occupation of Taiwan. During the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan, regular funds were allocated for maintenance work, and even Okinawan historians came to Taiwan to promote the restoration of the cemetery. Therefore, despite the passage of several hundred years, the cemetery still maintains its complete appearance and serves as an enduring historical relic. While the exterior of the Ryukyu Civilian Cemetery is valuable for viewing, the cultural significance it contains is even deeper. In the past, the indigenous people continued to practice headhunting, so the victims buried in the civilian cemetery, despite their names and descendants being known, were interred without heads. This historical tragedy not only left a regretful legacy of bloodshed but also allows future generations to witness a rare cultural heritage of its time.
