The indigenous people of Taiwan have been living there for thousands of years, their multifaceted tribal culture and their unique ways of life are sources of amazement to the rest of the world. Often seen on the global stages are the harmonious Pasibutbut of the Bunun tribe; the potential world heritage site: slate constructions of the Paiwan tribe at Tjuvecekadan. “Tribe Alive” series of documentary film highlights the values and determinations of the indigenous people through ceremonial beliefs, culinary rituals, and architectural marvels. Get an inside look through the eyes of three generations of tribesmen and, from their willpower and fortitude, prepare yourself to be enticed, entertained and mesmerised.

Culinary Rituals

In this episode, we look at how Taiwan’s tribes take on eating. In our first story, two cooks from separate tribes enter a cooking competition – one is a master chef who adapts tribal dishes to outsiders; the other is a gifted forager who learned from mother nature. Then, we follow a hunter – a revered position in his own tribe. We learn how important it is that he never hunts to excess. Our final story introduces us to a 12-year-old girl and her family, farming the mountainside. The girl must prepare a feast for her graduation – but she can only do this with the help of her great-grandmother, the keeper of all the tribal wisdom.

Graduation Rules

This episode follows three rites of passage. In the first story, an Amis boy transitions into early manhood by taking on more tribal responsibilities and passing on traditions to the next generation. In the next story, a young man has to demonstrate his seriousness in courting a young woman from his tribe- by undertaking certain ordeals. And in the final story, a young woman from a noble family is marrying out of the tribe. The couple must reassure the family that the tribal traditions will not be lost.

Home Science

The third episode brings us literally into the homes of Taiwan’s indigenous people. The first story introduces us to a 90 year-old chief of the Atayal Tribe, it’s up to him to use his knowledge to rebuild a tribal home using traditional methods. In the second story, a man from the Paiwan Tribe try to bring in everyone’s help to rebuild a stone slab house in the mountains. And finally, Yami people of Orchid Island are brought to an open-air museum to rebuild their underground house that is built to adapt to the weather and environment.