Chimei Aboriginal Cultural Museum Introduction
Chimei, formerly known as "Ji Mi" or "Qi Mi," is a phonetic transcription of the Amis word "Kiwit," which refers to the plant known as sea vine. The locals prefer to call it "Chimei grass," and the name of Chimei originates from this term. Because the Xiuguluan River winds and meanders through the Coastal Mountain range, the village nestled among the stacked hills offers changing vistas with the slope, showcasing more charming scenery. Chimei is a transliteration of Kiwit in the Amis language, originally meaning a type of tough vine that can be used to bind things—sea vine; its extended meaning signifies that the lives of the tribe are as resilient as the vines. According to county records, Chimei village is the birthplace of Amis culture, with a rich cultural heritage. Due to later Sinicization, it still maintains a rigorous hierarchical organization, with festivals like fish-catching rituals and the Harvest Festival warriors' dance preserving Amis culture and traditional customs worth exploring in depth. Music and dance also hold a very important place in Amis culture, particularly with the unique percussion instrument called Kokag made of bamboo and wood, and the Ciopihay dance performed by young men during the Harvest Festival. Activities such as setting shrimp traps and using triangular nets for fishing by the Xiuguluan River, making fire, carving bamboo for bowls and chopsticks, preparing betel nut pots, traditional community sticky rice and cured meat, and cooking stone hotpot by stacking milkwort stones at the riverbank are all experiences that deserve your time and attention in this village for a leisurely visit!
