Jianhe Community (Shema Village) Introduction
Jianhe is located in the southwest of Taitung City, at the edge of the Taitung alluvial plain's fan-shaped top, with mountains at the back and the sea in front. The area consists of six settlements, which from north to south are: Jian Shang Road (Shang Jianhe), Jianfeng, Jian Dong (formerly Tengtou), Yuchi, Xin She (Xia Jianhe), and Minsheng. Among these six settlements, Xin She is the largest, with the highest population and density, so it is commonly referred to as Jianhe. The residents are primarily from the Puyuma Indigenous people, along with some early migrants from the west. The industry is underdeveloped, and there is a phenomenon of population outflow, with a low proportion of young and middle-aged people. Since 1998, the Council for Cultural Affairs has subsidized the Jianhe community with NT$3 million for the "Revitalization of Traditional Local Industries Project," establishing the "Jianhe Wood Carving Art Village." Guided by the tribal chief Hagu (Han name: Chen Wensheng), a renowned Taiwanese Indigenous carver, the residents of Jianhe have developed solid carving skills and a wealth of creative inspiration. This has resulted in wood carvings and bas-reliefs displayed at every street intersection, corner, and on the walls of each household throughout the community. This gives Jianhe a distinctive Indigenous style and a unique community arts exhibition space, allowing wood carving skills and Puyuma traditional culture to be passed down for generations.
