Profile of Indigenous Communities
The Kanakanavu and Hla’alua were once referred to as the “Tsou tribe” (Southern Tsou). However, due to significant language differences and independent culture, Kanakanavu became the 16th separate ethnic group in 2014 after official recognition. The people call themselves Kanakanavu. Some believe the name’s root is related to “Taiwan giant bamboo” (-navu), meaning “people who belong to the Taiwan giant bamboo forest”. The Kanakanavu have long settled in Namasia, as the area’s indigenous inhabitants. Currently, the Kanakanavu mainly live in Takanua Village and Maia Village (Namasia District, Kaohsiung) and Da-ai Park (Shanlin District), where they moved after Typhoon Morakot.
Social and Cultural Features
The Kanakanavu people form an ethnic group through parallel households. In Kanakanavu society, every family has a marangʉ, the family head. Traditionally, the marangʉ must be a man, i.e. patrilineality. The “elder council” formed by Mamarurang (the elders) was the highest political and legislative body. Traditionally, the Kanakanavu people believe in tinaravai (the spiritual world). On the right shoulder is ’incu, the kind spirit, and on the left shoulder is ’ucu, the evil spirit. These spirits and people live in two different worlds.
Craftsmanship and Architecture
The Kanakanavu are skilled in woodworking and rattan/bamboo weaving. The most representative structure is the “Cakʉrʉ Assembly Hall”, used for discussing tribal issues such as rituals, politics, military, education, and social affairs, and women are strictly forbidden. Traditional houses are constructed using wooden posts, bamboo walls, and thatched roofs.
Ceremonies and Rituals
Kanakanavu rituals fall into three categories: Mikongu (Millet Ritual), hunting and head-taking rituals, and family-based rituals like Pasiakarai (River Ritual) and the baby ritual. In particular, Mikongu and pasiakarai are mandatory rituals currently held every year. Mikongu centers on the millet legend, which states the seeds were a gift from the dwarves, Tapucarake. The Kanakanavu people still traditionally worship these dwarves who have never reappeared.
Competition Event and Participants
- Traditional Archery: Individual Event－Open Men’s Division (1 Participant) /Individual Event－Open Women’s Division (2 Participants)
- Log Sawing: Group Event－Open Mixed Division (4 Participants)
- Traditional Tug-of-War: Group Event－Open Mixed Division (20 Participants)
- Traditional Wrestling: Individual Event－Men’s Division 70kg and Above (2 Participants)
- Traditional Road Running: Individual Event－Open Men’s Division (1 Participant)
- Weight Carrying: Group Event－Open Mixed Division (4 Participants)