Profile of Indigenous Communities
The Yami (Tao) people settled on Lanyu (Orchid Island), Langyu Township, Taitung County. In the Yami (Tao) language, Yami means “us”. Japanese anthropologist Torii Ryuzo referred to this ethnic group as “Yami”. Some of the Yami people call themselves “Tao”, meaning “man”. There are two origins of the Langyu people: stone and bamboo. Evidence from archaeological findings suggests that Orchid Island (Lanyu) shared cultural links with both the main island of Taiwan and Batan Island in the Philippines during the prehistoric era. Yami culture has distinct marine traits; daily life and rituals revolve entirely around the flying fish.
Social and Cultural Features
Yami life is interwoven by geography and kinship, lacking a specific traditional leader. All matters of public concern are determined through consultation and consensus among the elders representing the various families. The clan is called zipus, based primarily on bilateral kinship extending equally from both parents. Society has three communal labor organizations for fishing boats, millet farming, and irrigation. Monogamy is practiced in marriage. Tradition Yami (Tao) family house (asa ka vahay) is composed of a vahay (main house), a makarang (workshop), and a tagakal (elevated kiosk).
Industry and Arts
The main means of subsistence for the community are agriculture and fishing. Women handle agriculture (taro, sweet potatoes, millet), and men are responsible for fishing (flying fish). The diet has strict fish taboos, categorized as “good fish” (oyoda among) and “bad fish” (ra’et a among).
The craft of shipbuilding is exceptionally unique; vessels are differentiated into small boats (tatala) and large boats (cinedkeran), with the latter being meticulously assembled from 15 to 27 fitted wooden planks. Boat colors are mainly red, black, and white; common patterns include concentric circles (the eye of the boat), human figures, and waves. The concentric circle pattern is also referred to the “Eye of the Boat,” and it carries the significance of warding off evil, guiding direction, and ensuring safety.
Ceremonies and Rituals
The ritual calendar is rich, with ceremonies held in accordance with astronomical cycles and climate conditions, comprising:
- Flying Fish Rituals: Including the Fishing Ritual (meyvanwa), Storage Ritual (mamoka), and Final Eating Ritual (manoyotoyon).
- Harvest Ceremony (meypiyavean): Performed upon the completion of both the millet harvest and the conclusion of the flying fish season.
- Launching Ritual (meyvazey): Held when a new house or boat is finished; it is an important ceremony to showcase family achievements.
Competition Event and Participants
- Traditional Archery: Individual Event－Open Men’s Division (1 Participant) /Individual Event－Open Women’s Division (1 Participant)
- Log Sawing: Group Event－Open Mixed Division (4 Participants)
- Traditional Tug-of-War: Group Event－Open Mixed Division (20 Participants)
- Net Casting: Group Event－Open Mixed Division (4 Participants)
- Traditional Canoe Racing: Individual Event－Open Men’s Division (2 Participants)
- Traditional Road Running: Individual Event－Open Men’s Division (1 Participant) /Individual Event－Open Women’s Division (1 Participant)
- Weight Carrying: Group Event－Open Mixed Division (4 Participants)
- Freediving Sprint: Individual Event－Open Men’s Division (1 Participant) /Individual Event－Open Women’s Division (1 Participant)