Puyuma culture image
 
 

Tradition  Despite the small population, Puyuma was the most forceful tribe inhabiting on Taitung alluvial plain because of martial arts training in the early age and strict organization.  It had ruled much larger tribes, including Amis and Bunun, over a few centuries. Even the Ching Dynasty had conferred a title upon Puyuma.     Origination, tribes, and language            Stone-born Bamboo-born Origination The ancestors are born from the stones The place of origin is at Ruvoahan Also known as Katipol The ancestors are born from the bamboos The place of origin is at Panapanayan Also known as Nanwang Tribes           Chinpen(Katipol）     |      ├—Chienho(Kasavakan）     |      ├—Lijia(Likavong）     |         |      |         ├ Shangpinlang(Alipai)     |         |      |         └ Panchiu (Vankiu）     |      ├—Taian(Tamalakao）     |      └—Chulu(Basikao）             Nanwang(Puyuma)      |      ├ Hsiapinlang(Pinasiki）     |      └ Paosang(Apapolo）      (Song, Long-sheng (1998) 'Aboriginal Culture in Taiwan - History of Puyuma', p.7) Language The thick accent of Stone-born tribes is heavily influenced by Paiwan and Rukai tribes nearby. The light pronunciation of Bamboo-born tribes is very similar to that of Amei tribe, while maintaining its traditional accent.        Evident Cultural Characteristics:   Matriarchal society (diminished due to influence from Han) Family name, assets, and lands are passed down from mothers to daughters. Men are engaged in public affairs, yet household affair are managed by the mother or wife (including farm work).  It is worth noting that matriarchal society is not equivalent to matriarchy; the disciplines of boys are typically guided by their uncles.  (Source: Ya-feng Hsu (2001) 'Dance with the Nature - Aborigines', Chiuyu Literature)    Strict Military Training (now only seen during masalut rituals):     Spartan education, age class, Takoban and Parakwan, Warrior Vansaran   Handicraft:    Cross embroidery, rattan weaved container    Abstract Totem:  Human-shaped dance totem, snake variation totem (snake variation totem of Paiwan and Rukai tribes are more concrete than that of Puyuma).

 
 

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