Passing the Baton: Surprisingly Fun-Loving Atayal

Wilang’s hunting trail roughly overlaps the first few kilometers of the Nan’ao Historic Trail. But to save time, he usually takes a shortcut down the valley in the direction of another mountain. Having been exploring the mountains since the third grade, Wilang is familiar with the environment and can talk knowledgeably about local flora and fauna and the stories of each landscape. He really is a lifelong soulmate of the mountains and forests in Nan’ao.

How much do you know about indigenous hunters before this trip? Nearly nothing. I don’t have the slightest idea whether there are still people working as hunters. On my previous visit to the Atayal Bulaubulau Community, we went hiking along a mountain trail under the guidance of a local resident. We passed somewhere a trap had been set and were reminded to stay away from it...

In modern society, clothing is manufactured in factories by machines. People only care about whether the garment is pretty or fashionable; yet if the threads carry no emotions or stories, the clothes are but a decorative shell. In a traditional Atayal society, skillful Weavers require a long time to train and cultivate. Weaving refines a girl's character and skills and consequently shapes the people's culture and identity towards the family. From planting the ramie to weaving the cloth, the Weavers preserved time and culture in every bolt of cloth and every piece of garment they made...

Have you heard of Atayal family houses before? When I was studying literature, I learned, from an academic perspective, that an Atayal family house is an important space where people live and shape their character and personality. It is not simply just "a house", but a place where people interact and build a sense of belonging together...

"Why is my hometown different from Buta?" Wilang grew up confused, until he started looking into old documents, connecting with old groups, and visiting old settlements during university. He followed his elders back to Haga Paris to find his roots, and decided that Haga Paris should be seen by the world. Wilang and Pisuy spent time visiting with elders and reading through documents. In 2016, they built an Atayal home on family land. The two care for the land at the foot of the mountain so that Atayal culture can take root and grow.

What are your thoughts after this morning's session on Atayal family housing? At the Q&A the instructor explained a lot about why particular types of wood are chosen and why particular architectural styles are preferred. I think of the misunderstandings that Non-indigenous people usually have. People tend to think indigenous peoples who live in the mountains are not so well educated or sharp. In fact, much of indigenous wisdom comes from everyday life. I have to say they're masters of daily life hacks...