5.

This weekend, we went to Ilan and Hualian to learn about the farming, brewing, and orchid industries in Taiwan. We also made and lit paper lanterns, and saw a show performed by some of Taiwan’s aborigines.

It was interesting to see and hear some elements of the aborigines’ culture because they are not elements that are prominently linked to Taiwanese culture or shared in the many tourist videos about Taiwan that we have seen. In general, when I think of Taiwanese culture, I imagine the elements of Mainland Chinese culture brought over by the Mainlanders, so this was the first time I was able to more clearly see and experience Taiwanese aboriginal culture.

It was also interesting to compare the colonial histories of both Taiwan and the U.S. Like in the U.S., the Taiwanese aboriginal culture has been overshadowed by the culture brought over by the colonists. Like in American history, the treatment of Taiwanese aboriginals is not something that many Taiwanese people are proud of today. The existence of cultural centers and events for aborigines may indicate an increased interest in aboriginal culture, even if in an altered, more commercialized form.

The morning after seeing the aboriginal show, we went to Taroko National Park, also known as the “Grand Canyon of Taiwan.” While taking pictures in the environs (the gorge itself being closed the day we went, due to maintenance), we came across two girls playing with a dog, one of whom our professor identified as someone of aboriginal descent. However, when our professor asked her what tribe she came from, she said that she didn’t remember. This response, combined with the fact that the girl was speaking Mandarin, reflected to me the effects of cultural assimilation on the indigenous populations in Taiwan.

This week is our final week in Taiwan. We will be learning about Chinese knots and facemasks, and visiting the National Palace Museum. We will also be attending a Chinese opera tomorrow evening.