Chimei Aboriginal Cultural Museum Introduction
Chimei, formerly known as "Ji Mi" or "Qi Mi," is derived from the Amis language word "Kiwit," which refers to the plant known as coast buttercup. The locals like to call it "Chimei grass," and the name of Chimei comes from this term. The winding and meandering Xiuguluan River cuts through the Coastal Mountain Range, allowing this village nestled among layered hills to offer a changing view with varying slopes, providing many charming landscapes. Chimei is a transliteration of the Amis word "Kiwit," which originally referred to a resilient vine, coast buttercup, used for binding things; it also symbolizes the tribe's life being as resilient as the vine. According to county records, Chimei is the birthplace of Amis culture, possessing a rich cultural heritage. Due to later Han cultural influence, it still maintains a strict hierarchical organization, and activities like the fish-catching ritual and the harvest festival warrior dance preserve Amis culture and traditional customs, making it worth exploring deeply. Its music and dance hold a very important position in Amis culture, especially the percussion instrument Kokag made from bamboo and wood, and the Ciopihay dance performed by young men during the harvest festival. Activities such as setting shrimp traps along the Xiuguluan River, using triangular nets for fishing, making fire, carving bamboo for bowls and chopsticks, cooking betel nut leaves, preparing traditional glutinous rice and preserved meats, and cooking stone hot pot with slate stacked by the river are all reasons to stay in this village and take the time to explore.
