An Introduction to the Atayal

(1) Origins of the Atayal

The Atayal live in Taiwan's northern mountainous regions. During the time of the Japanese occupation, they were known as both the "Peifan" (Northern Tribe) and the "Wangtsifan" (Literally the Wang Character Tribe) as they commonly had tattoos in the shape of the Chinese character for "wang" (king) on their faces.

The Atayal worshipped a number of spirits. In the event that a member of a tribe became ill, the priest, who was responsible for divination, would perform magic and pray that the spirits protect the individual. This has to do with Atayal beliefs in the origin of life in nature.

The Atayal believe that a huge rock gave birth to their ancestors, consequently they are awed with nature. Some say that the sacred rock that gave birth to the ancestors of Atayal is located in Jenai Hsiang of Nantou County, others say it is located on Tapa peak.

Their common beliefs give Atayal a collective strength, consequently the Atayal are known for their bravery and combat skills. The renowned Wushe Anti-Japanese Uprising was carried out by the heroic Saideke Tribe of the Atayal. Atayal means "True People" or "Brave People".

(2) Tribe Distribution

The Atayal, with more than 90,000 members, is Taiwan's second largest aboriginal group, second only to the Ami. They reside in the mountainous areas of Northern Taiwan on either side of the central mountain range, in Hualien and Ilan.

Due to the fact that they live in mountainous areas, the Atayal live off of hunting and slash-and-burn agriculture.

Traditionally, they generally live in villages. Socially, they are organized into four types of groups the functions of which often overlap. These include tribes, groups for carrying out religious ceremonies, groups held jointly responsible for wrongdoings, and hunting groups.

(3) A Sketch of Modern Life

The most distinctive feature of the Atayal is their facial tattoos.

Facial tattoos carry a great deal of significance for the Atayal. First of all, they signify that an individual has reached adulthood and the age of marriage. Males must headhunt and women must learn to weave to be eligible to receive facial tattoos.

Aesthetics is another reason for the facial tattoo. Tattoos on either cheek enhance beauty by elongating the face. There is another more important reason for tattooing the face. That is, the Atayal believe that it is by the facial tattoo that the spirits of dead Atayal ancestors recognize the spirits of descendants when they come before them after they die. The facial tattoo, therefore, is a mark by which spirits are recognized after death.

The authorities strictly prohibited the custom of tattooing the face during the era of Japanese occupation as it was closely related to the custom of headhunting, so the younger generation of Atayal no longer tattoos their faces. Today, facial tattoos can only be seen on the faces of people 70 years of age and older.