ATAYAL – 泰雅族

Location of the Island of Taiwan in East Asia
( ontheworldmap.com )

Island of Taiwan & Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu Islands.
Also shown are:
Green Island (Lu Dao) & Orchid Island (Lan Yu).
( cia.gov )

Administrative Divisions of Taiwan
( nouahsark.com )

Traditional geographical distribution of Highland Peoples.
Alternate spellings or names:
Taroko (Truku, Seediq); Yami (Tao)
( wikipedia . org )

Satellite image of Taiwan showing the central mountains. Compare this image with the map (above) to appreciate the geographic distribution of the Highland Peoples.
( geology . com )

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THE ATAYAL PEOPLE – 泰雅族

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  • The Atayal People (also spelled Tayal) are one of the largest & most influential Indigenous groups of Taiwan. They are known for their strong mountain culture, distinctive facial tattoo tradition & rich weaving heritage.

  • The current population of the Atayal People on the Island of Taiwan is estimated at approximately 95,000 persons, which makes them one of Taiwan’s largest Indigenous groups. They inhabit primarily the Northern & central mountain areas of Taiwan in the area of the modern-day counties of Taoyuan, New Taipei City, Hsinchu, Miaoli, Taichung, Nantou & Yilan. They speak their own language which is part of the Austronesian Language Family. There are two main Atayal language groups: Squliq & C’uli’ (Ts’ole’).

  • The Atayal traditionally lived in highland and forested mountain regions, adapting to steep terrain and cooler climates. Their economy is based on: (i) hunting (especially wild boar & deer); (ii) cultivation of millet, taro & sweet potato; and (iii) gathering forest products. They live in stone or wood houses, often built on slopes. The social structure consists of villages organized by kinship & alliances. Their culture places strong emphasis on communal responsibility.

  • During the period of Japanese Occupation (1895–1945), the Atayal communities resisted Japanese control. They were subjected to relocation, bans were imposed on their indigenous weapons & they experienced overall cultural suppression. Accordingly, in the present day the Atayal people are often regarded as symbols of: (i.) mountain resilience; (ii.) indigenous resistance & dignity; and (iii.) a connection to Taiwan’s deep Austronesian roots. In the era since 1945, there has been gradual recognition of the Atayal indigenous rights, and a revival of their language, rituals & arts.

  • Traditional Atayal beliefs center on Utux, which are ancestral spirits who influence daily life. The ancestors watch over moral behavior. The spirits are known to inhabit nature (mountains, rivers, animals).

  • The Atayal have taboos which are called “Gaga”. The breaking of “Gaga” brings misfortune to individuals or the entire community. In the present day, many Atayal people also practice Christianity, often blended with the traditional beliefs.

  • One notable aspect of culture among the Atayal is facial tattooing or “Ptasan”. Historically, the practice of “Ptasan” has been extended to both men and women:
    Men earned tattoos through bravery, hunting success, or “head-taking”, which is no longer practiced. Women received tattoos after mastering weaving skills. Ptasan symbolizes adulthood, honor & eligibility for marriage. It ensures recognition of the individual by ancestors in the afterlife. This practice of Ptasan was greatly reduced during the period of Japanese colonial rule , but it remains a powerful cultural symbol today.

  • Atayal are also known for their accomplished culture of weaving, which is among the most refined in Taiwan. Weaving was traditionally regarded as a moral & spiritual duty. Woven items carry intricate geometric patterns. Patterns and symbols convey clan identity & ancestral stories. There is prominent use of red which symbolizes vitality & blood.

  • Today, the Atayal are active in: (i.) cultural revitalization movements; (ii.) Eco-tourism and serving as guides in the mountain areas; (iii.) stong promotion of Indigenous-language education; and (iv.) vigorous participation in contemporary art, music & film. Many Atayal communities balance modern life with ancestral traditions, especially during the times of festivals & traditional ceremonies.

  • The Language of the Atayal People – 泰雅族的語言

  • joshuaproject.net – The Languages of Taiwan @ The Joshua Project website
  • ethnologue.com – The Language of the Atayal People of Taiwan @ Ethnologue . com
  • omniglot.com – The Online encyclopedia of writing systems & languages @ Omniglot . com

  • EASY SEARCH FOR MORE LINKS ! . . . . .

  • scholar.google.com – The Language of the Atayal People – 泰雅族的語言 @ Google Scholar
  • youtube.com – The Language of the Atayal People – 泰雅族的語言 @ You Tube . com
  • images.google.com – The Language of the Atayal People – 泰雅族的語言 @ Google Images

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for Taiwanese Indigenous Peoples

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LATEST PAGE UPDATE: January 14 , 2026 .
最後一次更新時間為:  2026 / 01 / 14 .

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