Tongpu Liuchiu Aboriginal Grave Introduction
The Tongpu Ryukyu Cemetery, also known as the Ryukyu Han Cemetery, was established in 1871 (the 10th year of the Qing Tongzhi period). That year, two ships heading to Naha for tribute encountered a typhoon on their return journey, and days later, the ships stranded in Bay of Bayao in Hengchun. A total of 66 crew members landed to seek refuge but inadvertently trespassed into indigenous territory. Due to a language barrier, they had a serious conflict with the local Paiwan people, resulting in the tragic murder of 54 Ryukyu people, who were later buried in Tongpu Village. Initially, there was no monument at the Tongpu Ryukyu Cemetery. In 1874, the Japanese, using the pretext of resident casualties, landed in Pingtung's Gaoshifu, Mudan, and Nvying communities, and engaged in fierce battles with the indigenous people (historically referred to as the Mudan Incident). Following this, they erected a monument titled "The Grave of Fifty-Four Ryukyu Han People of Great Japan," marking the earliest memorial left by the Japanese in Taiwan. During the Japanese colonial period in Taiwan, regular funds were allocated for maintenance work, and even historians from Okinawa came to Taiwan to promote the restoration of the cemetery. Thus, despite the passage of several hundred years, the cemetery still maintains its complete appearance and serves as an indelible historical relic. Although the appearance of the Ryukyu Han Cemetery has viewing value, the cultural connotations contained within it are even more profound. In the past, the indigenous people still practiced headhunting culture, so the victims buried in the Han Cemetery, while their names and descendants are known, remain headless. This historical tragedy not only leaves behind the regret of bloodshed but also allows future generations to witness a valuable cultural heritage of its time.
