Tusarik Tribal Cultural Community Introduction
Located in Dajin Township, Taitung County, the Tuhsiong Village is primarily inhabited by the Paiwan people, a tribe known for its distinct social hierarchy, which consists of five classes: chiefs, nobility, shamans and priests, gentry, and commoners. The chief holds hereditary rights over lands, hunting grounds, and rivers, while those of noble rank possess the right to wear elaborate clothing and have ornate carvings on their doorframes. In Tuhsiong Village, there are two ancestral houses managed by three chiefs, which serve as places for various clans to perform rituals and prayers. These houses function as mediators between the gods, ancestors, and people, playing crucial roles in events such as warfare, agriculture, ceremonies, healing, and excursions. The ancestral houses can be seen as the guiding force in all tribal affairs. Given their sacred nature, there are specific taboos associated with these houses, and one must receive permission before visiting or taking photographs. Tuhsiong Village retains the charm of a traditional indigenous community, populated by numerous talented individuals, including indigenous woodcarvers, artists, cultural workers, and traditional chieftains. This results in a community that is rich in the traditional atmosphere of the Paiwan culture, with symbols such as the hundred-pace snake and the Taiwan lily adorning many households, which can be considered as living museums. Once referred to as the "Home of the Hairy Crab," the Tuhsiong community has seen its residents grow closer together after the impact of Typhoon Morakot. The community has utilized its inherent strengths to carefully develop its unique characteristics, allowing people to better connect with and understand Paiwan culture while preserving and passing down its artistic heritage. Within the community, visitors can experience Paiwan cultural arts, hear imaginative legends and myths, explore excavated artifacts like stone coffins, and discover local prehistoric cultural sites. The indigenous styles of the village can be documented through imagery, and unique Paiwan crafts can be purchased at local workshops, making this a worthwhile destination for an in-depth cultural and artistic journey.
