In a bid to preserve the cultures of Taiwan’s 14 indigenous peoples, the Cabinet-level Council for Cultural Affairs released Dec. 22 a comprehensive list of 154 aboriginal cultural heritage sites.
A total of 127 tangible and 27 intangible heritage sites have been identified after a one-year survey, according to the Headquarters Administration of Cultural Heritage under the CCA.
“Whether tangible or intangible, aboriginal cultures are very important to Taiwan society, and preserving and maintaining them requires urgent action by the public,” said HACH Director Stanley S. L. Wang.
Some of the 154 heritage sites identified include the Paiwan people’s unique double-nose flute, the Rukai’s carving art and the Tsou’s all-male assembly house, as well as representative ceremonies of each of the groups and their creation myths.
The 154 sites shortlisted this time will undergo further study to determine their value in accordance with United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization’s criteria before they are officially recognized by the government, according to Wang.
In 2009 the government identified 18 tangible items in Taiwan as having the potential to become listed as World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO, the HACH said, adding an additional 10 intangible sites were added in 2010. (HZW)