Chi Mei Aboriginal Cultural Museum Introduction
Chimei, formerly known as "Jimi" or "Qimi," is a transliteration of the Amis word "Kiwit," which refers to the coastal vine, beach morning glory. The villagers affectionately call it "Chimei grass," and the name of Chimei is derived from it. The Sioshe River cuts through the Coastal Mountain Range in a winding manner, providing the village, nestled among the layered mountains, with changing views according to the slopes, as well as many charming landscapes. Chimei is a phonetic translation of the Amis term Kiwit, which originally refers to a tough vine used for binding items; it signifies that the tribe's life is as resilient as the vine. According to local records, Chimei is the birthplace of Amis culture, boasting rich cultural assets. Due to later sinicization, it still maintains a rigorous hierarchical organization, and activities such as fish-catching rituals and the Harvest Festival's warrior dance preserve Amis culture and traditional customs, making it worth exploring in depth. Music and dance hold significant importance in Amis culture, especially with the unique percussion instrument made of bamboo and wood called Kokag, and the Ciopihay dance performed by young men during the Harvest Festival. The activities of setting shrimp traps and fishing with triangular nets by the Sioshe River, making fire, carving bamboo into utensils, cooking with betel nut leaves, and traditional community meals like glutinous rice and preserved meat, as well as preparing stone hot pot using stones from the riverbank, are all worthwhile experiences that encourage you to stay in the village and spend time exploring it!
