Dawulamak Tribe Introduction
The Daruma Tribe is the only Rukai settlement in Taitung County. After multiple migrations, the famous Taiwanese singer Shen Wen Cheng was born and grew up in the Daruma Tribe. The Kappaliwa Old Community was established over three hundred years ago, but unfortunately, a large fire in 1969 destroyed the existing artifacts. Currently, while the layout and walls of the stone houses remain, they are incomplete. However, remnants of artifacts still provide a glimpse into the splendor of that time. The artistic expressions of the Rukai people are extraordinary, with intricate and lifelike works in weaving, basketry, and wood carving that showcase their innate artistic talents. The annual Harvest Festival in July is a significant event for the Rukai people, starting with the chief leading the tribe in prayer to the guardian deity of Daruma. After lighting torches, the chief guides the guardian deity to the ceremonial site with wafts of white smoke. Subsequently, the chief presents offerings of millet and areca nuts around the tall swing setup, praying for peace and success. The Harvest Festival features swinging activities, where beautifully dressed women are pulled back and forth in the air by men with strings, showcasing the unique Rukai culture. - Brief History of the Daruma Tribe - In 1650, it was officially recorded in history. After the Mudan Incident in Hengchun in 1874, the Qing government began to manage eastern Taiwan, referring to Daruma as "Danan Tribe." In 1926, the Japanese government relocated Daruma east to Doo and Irila, which are above and below the Danan Hydroelectric Power Station, respectively. In 1941, they moved to the current site and settled down. In 1945, some houses in the tribe were destroyed by flooding, leading nearby tribespeople to relocate to the southern bank of the current Lijia River, establishing a small settlement of Subayang (near Daan Bridge). In 1969, after a major fire, Danan was rebuilt on its original site, which is today's Daruma Tribe.
