The Taroko (Truku) tribe was once considered a subtribe of the Atayal, and does share some common characteristics with that tribe. However, after proving a distinct language and culture, the Taroko became Taiwan’s 12th officially recognized tribe in January of 2004. Several hundred years ago, this tribe had outgrown its traditional territory in Nantou County in central Taiwan. Thus, they crossed the Central Mountain Range to arrive in the Liwu River region in what is today known as Taroko National Park. They found this area to be plentiful in river, forest and mineral resources.

From traditional lands to modern national park

After moving into the Hualien area, the Taroko tribe explored their surroundings and in doing so encroached on the traditional territories of the Sakizaya tribe, which led to sporadic fighting between the two groups. The Sakizaya eventually formed an alliance with another plains-dwelling tribe the Kamalan (Kavalan), to attempt to put an end to attacks by Taroko warriors.

Conflict continued with the arrival of Japanese colonialists in 1895.  In 1896, a dispute arose when the Taroko tribe claimed that a Japanese police officer had “humiliated” a Taroko woman. This led to 18 years of tit-for-tat fighting. One of the most severe battles occurred in August of 1906 in which 36 Japanese were attacked. This led the Japanese authorities to implement a blockade to isolate the Taroko tribe and to keep them from trading goods. Then, in 1914, the Japanese launched a punitive expedition against the Taroko and after more than two months of fighting, the Taroko were forced to surrender and to leave their river gorge paradise. Today, a communications path that was once used by the Taroko tribe has been expanded over the decades to become the highway that visitors use to explore the magnificent Taroko Gorge.

The more than 20,000 members of this tribe are still concentrated in Hualien County mainly in Xiulin, Wanrong and Zhuoxi townships. Their villages are located in some of Taiwan’s most scenic areas. Thus, a combination ecotourism/cultural tourism itinerary can be easily developed for visiting Taroko tribal areas.

Since their recognition, some members of the tribe have been working to establish an autonomous Taroko region, and when attending international conferences introduce themselves as the Taroko Nation. Thus, in addition to the Saisiyat tribe, the Taroko are taking the lead in pushing for indigenous autonomy in Taiwan.

Traditional lifestyles

The Taroko tribe traditionally grew millet and hunted. Thus, their major ceremonies are centered on such life activities such as the Harvest Festival and Hunting Rites. Currently, the Harvest Festival is held around the end of August. On that day, there is a feast, singing and dancing. This is also a good opportunity to see some traditional musical instruments such as the bamboo flute and mouth harp. Another important event is the Ancestor Worship Rites. During these rites, the members of the tribe thank their ancestors for protection, and pray to them for continued good health and harvests, as well as promise to continue to follow the lessons the ancestors have handed down to them.

Facial tattooing was once an important cultural practice. Among men, this was usually a short, thick line tattooed down the middle of the forehead and the middle of the chin. Among women, these tattoos were much more complex and included one or more lines on the forehead and a continuous patterned arc around the mouth and across both cheeks, and were thought to enhance feminine beauty. However, these tattoos did not have just an esthetic purpose. They were also a symbol of entry into adulthood and eligibility for marriage and the special pass needed to join the ancestral spirits after death. To qualify to receive a facial tattoo, a man had to prove himself an able warrior and a woman a skilled weaver. This tradition was shared by the Atayal and Sediq tribes.

Traditional arts and crafts

Although all of Taiwan’s indigenous tribes wove cloth, mainly from ramie, a type of Asian hemp, it was the women of the Atayal, Sediq and Taroko tribes who were considered the best weavers, and to be able to create the most complicated designs. Although there is some overlap in the motifs used by these three tribes, the Taroko favor a white background with small rhombi in a number of colors such as pink, blue and yellow, especially on the skirts traditionally worn by Taroko women. Women from the Taroko tribe demonstrate traditional weaving techniques on a horizontal backstrap loom, which consists of some planks, sticks and clubs placed over the outstretched legs to keep taut, with a strap running along the waist, in the exhibition area of the Buluowan resort area, located within Taroko National Park. Buluowan was once the location of a Taroko village, and there has been some controversy over turning this traditional land into a commercial venture. However, in addition to displays of cultural artifacts of the Taroko tribe there are scenic nature trails that can be enjoyed here.

The Taroko also excelled at rattan and bamboo weaving, producing containers for storage and baskets. Men usually carried a basket with two straps that could be worn on the back, for bringing game back to the village from a hunt. Women used baskets with one strap that was placed at the forehead. These baskets were used for carrying crops from the fields. Such a method of carrying allowed women to have their hands free to perform other tasks while walking back to their village, such as processing ramie fibers to prepare them for weaving.

For more information about Taiwan’s indigenous arts and handicrafts, visit www.tribe-asia.com