SAISIYAT – 賽夏族

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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for Taiwanese Indigenous Peoples

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THE SAISIYAT PEOPLE – 賽夏族

  • https://www.cip.gov.tw/en/tribe/grid-list/733B28E29AD8C492D0636733C6861689/info.html?cumid=5DD9C4959C302B9FD0636733C6861689
  • The Saisiyat People (賽夏族) are one of Taiwan’s officially recognized Indigenous peoples, known especially for their unique spiritual traditions and rich oral culture. Although they are one of the smallest Indigenous groups in Taiwan, their cultural influence is distinctive and well documented.

    Overview
    Population: About 7,000–8,000 people
    Primary regions:
    Northwestern Taiwan, mainly in:
    Hsinchu County (Wufeng Township)
    Miaoli County (Nanzhuang and Tai’an townships)
    Language: Saisiyat language (Austronesian family; endangered but under revitalization efforts)

    Origins and History
    The Saisiyat traditionally lived in mountain foothills between the territories of the Atayal and Han settlers. Over time, they developed a distinct identity shaped by:
    Limited territory
    Close interaction with neighboring groups
    Strong emphasis on ritual and spiritual balance
    Their oral histories describe ancestral migrations and supernatural beings that continue to influence their worldview today.

    The Pas-ta’ai (矮靈祭) – Ritual of the Little People
    The Saisiyat are best known for the Pas-ta’ai, often translated as the Ritual of the Little People, one of the most unique Indigenous ceremonies in Taiwan.
    Key features:
    Held every two years (with a larger ceremony every ten years)
    Commemorates the Ta’ay, supernatural “little people” believed to have once lived alongside humans
    Involves:
    Nighttime chanting
    Circle dancing
    Complex ritual songs in ancient Saisiyat language
    Purpose:
    Appease spirits
    Restore harmony
    Prevent misfortune
    This ritual has drawn significant attention from anthropologists and is regarded as a major cultural treasure of Taiwan.

    Traditional Society and Beliefs
    Spiritual worldview: Strong belief in ancestral spirits and supernatural beings
    Social structure: Traditionally organized around extended families and ritual leaders
    Taboos: Daily life was guided by ritual restrictions, especially concerning agriculture, hunting, and ceremonies
    Balance between the human and spiritual worlds is a core principle in Saisiyat life.

    Economy and Traditional Livelihoods
    Historically, the Saisiyat practiced:
    Shifting cultivation (millet, sweet potatoes)
    Hunting and gathering
    Small-scale trading with neighboring groups
    Today, many Saisiyat people are involved in:
    Agriculture
    Cultural tourism
    Education and language preservation programs

    Culture and Arts
    Music and chanting play a central role, especially during rituals
    Clothing: Traditionally featured dark fabrics with geometric patterns
    Oral traditions: Myths, songs, and ritual narratives are vital for cultural transmission

    Contemporary Life and Cultural Preservation
    Like many Indigenous peoples in Taiwan, the Saisiyat face challenges such as:
    Language loss
    Urban migration
    Cultural marginalization
    In response, there are ongoing efforts including:
    Language revitalization classes
    Cultural festivals
    Documentation of rituals and oral history
    Community-led tourism focused on respectful cultural exchange

    Why the Saisiyat Are Unique
    One of the smallest Indigenous populations in Taiwan
    Home to one of the most mysterious and ancient rituals in East Asia
    A culture centered strongly on ritual memory and spiritual reciprocity

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

  • scholar.google.com – The Saisiyat People – 賽夏族 @ Google Scholar
  • youtube.com – The Saisiyat People – 賽夏族 @ You Tube . com
  • images.google.com – The Saisiyat People – 賽夏族 @ Google Images

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LATEST PAGE UPDATE: Decembet 25 , 2025 .
最後一次更新時間為:  2025 / 12 / 25 .

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