AMIS – 阿美族

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 )

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for Taiwanese Indigenous Peoples

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THE AMIS PEOPLE – 阿美族

  • The Amis (阿美族) are the largest Indigenous People Group in Taiwan. The Amis are known for their strong community life, rich ceremonial traditions & close relationship with the land & sea. They are one of Taiwan’s officially-recognized Indigenous Peoples Groups.

  • The population of the Amis People is about 210,000–220,000 persons, which makes them the largest Indigenous Group on the Island of Taiwan. The group is distributed across four main regions: (i.) Eastern Taiwan, especially along the east coast plains; (ii.) Hualien County; (iiii.) Taitung County; and (iv.) Smaller communities in Pingtung, Kaohsiung & in urban areas, due to migration.

  • The Amis People speak their own language – the Amis language – which belongs to the Austronesian language family. The Amis Language is closely related to languages spoken across the Pacific. There are several regional dialects. While many elders still speak Amis fluently, younger generations often speak Mandarin Chinese & efforts to revitalize the spoken Amis Language are ongoing.

  • The social organization of the Amis People is as a Matrilineal Society. This is one of the most distinctive features of Amis culture. Family lineage is traced through the mother. Property and inheritance traditionally pass through women. After marriage, men often live in the wife’s household. Women play a central role in family continuity & decision-making. Yet, the Amis men traditionally hold many public & ceremonial leadership roles, especially in “age-grade” organizations.

  • The Amis People are known for their “age-grade” (age-set) system, particularly for men. Boys are grouped into age cohorts. Each cohort has specific responsibilities in the local Amis community. The “age-grade” system governs: Village defense, Ceremonial duties & Community labor. The “age-grade” system works to reinforces discipline, cooperation & social identity.

  • The traditional beliefs & spiritual life of the Amis People: Traditionally, the Amis practiced animism, believing that spirits inhabit nature, ancestors & natural forces. Amis practice traditional rituals which are intended to maintain harmony between humans & the spirit world. At the present time, many Amis also practice various forms of Christian faith (Presbyterian, Catholic, others). Thus, the traditional beliefs & rituals are often blended with Christian practices.

  • The Ilisin Harvest Festival is the most important Amis celebration. It is held annually, usually between July & September, and is a major cultural event attracting visitors from across Taiwan. The festival celebrates the rice harvest & honors ancestral spirits. Elements of the Ilisin Harvest Festival include: (i.) Singing & dancing in large circles; (ii.) the wearing of traditional clothing & headdresses; (iii.) Community feasts; (iv) the practice of rituals tied to “age-grade” groups.

  • The economy & traditional livelihood of the Amis People has historically relied on: (i.) Wet-rice agriculture; (ii.) Fishing, particularly in the coastal communities; and (iii.) Hunting & gathering. In the present day, many Amis work in: (i) Agriculture, fisheries, tourism & cultural industries. Many Amis also work as professionals in urban areas, while maintaining their social ties totheir home villages.

  • Music & dance are central to the cultural identity of the Amis People. They are known for powerful choral singing. Traditional dress often includes Bright colors, Beadwork, and ornaments constructed of shells & feathers. Amis performers play a significant role in the current revival of indigenous culture on the Island of Taiwan.

  • Like other Indigenous People Groups, the Amis face challenges such as: (i.) Language loss; (ii.) Land rights disputes; (iii.) Decline of population in the tribal areas due to urban migration; & (iv.) Cultural preservation. But there is strong activism, pride & interest among the Amis People in cultural revitalization, education & political participation on the Island of Taiwan.

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LATEST PAGE UPDATE: Decembet 24 , 2025.
最後一次更新時間為:  2025 / 12 / 24 .

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