The Sakizaya (Native name: Sakuzaya, literally "real man"; traditional Chinese: 撒奇萊雅族; Hanyu Pinyin: Sāqíláiyǎ; Tongyong Pinyin: Sacíláiyǎ; occasionally Sakiraya or Sakidaya) are Taiwanese Aborigines with a population of approximately 5,000–10,000. They primarily live in the counties of Keelung, Taoyuan, and Taipei, as well as on Hualien (formerly known as Chilai or Kiray), where their culture is centered. Hualien City (Traditional Chinese: ; Hanyu Pinyin: ; Wade-Giles: Hua-lien shih; POJ: Hoa-liân-chhÄ«) is the capital of Hualien County, Taiwan Province of the Republic of China. ... Keelung City (Traditional Chinese: 基隆; Hanyu Pinyin: JÄ«lóng; Tongyong Pinyin: Jilóng; Wade-Giles: Chi-lung; POJ: Ke-lâng) is a provincial city of Taiwan, Republic of China. ... Taoyuan County (桃園縣, pinyin: Táoyuán Xiàn, WG: Tao-yüan Hsien) is a county of Taiwan Province, Republic of China, located in the northwestern part of the island, next to Taipei County. ... Taipei County (Chinese: 台北縣; Hanyu Pinyin: ; Wade-Giles: Tai-pei Hsien; POJ: Tâi-pak-koān) is located in northern Taiwan and encircles Taipei City. ... Taiwanese Mandarin (Traditional Chinese: ; Hanyu Pinyin: ; Wade-Giles: Tai2-wan1 Kuo2-yü3; also 台灣華語, Táiwān HuáyÇ”) is the dialect of Mandarin Chinese spoken on Taiwan. ... Amis is the language of the Amis or Ami, a tribe of indigenous people on Taiwan (see Taiwanese aborigines). ... The Formosan languages are a group of Austronesian languages spoken 2% of the population of Taiwan, almost exclusively aboriginals. ... Ancestor worship, also ancestor veneration, is a religious practice based on the belief that ones ancestors possess supernatural powers. ... The term Animism is derived from the Latin anima, meaning soul.[1][2] In its most general sense, animism is simply the belief in souls. ... Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Relation to other religions Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Christianity Portal This box:      Christianity is a monotheistic[1] religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament. ... Total population 2006: 458,000 (CIP 2006) 2004: 454,600 (CIP 2004) Homelands in Taiwan Mountainous terrain running in five ranges from the northern to the southern tip of the island Narrow eastern plains Orchid Island (Lán YÇ”) Languages 14 living Formosan languages. ... The Kavalan (People living in the plain) (Chinese: 噶瑪蘭族) or Kuvalan are an indigenous people of Taiwan, part of the larger Taiwanese aborigine ethnic group. ... Total population 2006: 458,000 (CIP 2006) 2004: 454,600 (CIP 2004) Homelands in Taiwan Mountainous terrain running in five ranges from the northern to the southern tip of the island Narrow eastern plains Orchid Island (Lán YÇ”) Languages 14 living Formosan languages. ... Traditional Chinese characters refers to one of two standard sets of printed Chinese characters. ... Pinyin (拼音, Pīnyīn) literally means join (together) sounds (a less literal translation being phoneticize, spell or transcription) in Chinese and usually refers to Hànyǔ Pīnyīn (汉语拼音, literal meaning: Han language pinyin), which is a system of romanization (phonetic notation and transliteration to roman script) for Standard Mandarin used in the... Tongyong Pinyin (Chinese: ; pinyin: Tōngyòng pÄ«nyÄ«n; literally Universal/General Usage Sound-combining) is the current official romanization of the Chinese language adopted by the national government (although not all local governments) of the Republic of China (Taiwan) since 2002. ... Total population 2006: 458,000 (CIP 2006) 2004: 454,600 (CIP 2004) Homelands in Taiwan Mountainous terrain running in five ranges from the northern to the southern tip of the island Narrow eastern plains Orchid Island (Lán YÇ”) Languages 14 living Formosan languages. ... Keelung City (Traditional Chinese: 基隆; Hanyu Pinyin: JÄ«lóng; Tongyong Pinyin: Jilóng; Wade-Giles: Chi-lung; POJ: Ke-lâng) is a provincial city of Taiwan, Republic of China. ... Taoyuan County (桃園縣, pinyin: Táoyuán Xiàn, WG: Tao-yüan Hsien) is a county of Taiwan Province, Republic of China, located in the northwestern part of the island, next to Taipei County. ... Taipei County (Chinese: 台北縣; Hanyu Pinyin: ; Wade-Giles: Tai-pei Hsien; POJ: Tâi-pak-koān) is located in northern Taiwan and encircles Taipei City. ... Hualien County (Traditional Chinese: 花蓮縣; Hanyu Pinyin: HÅ«alián Xiàn; Tongyong Pinyin: Hualián Siàn; Wade-Giles: Hua-lien Hsien; POJ: Hoa-liân-kōan) is the largest county in Taiwan. ...

The Sakizaya are an Austronesian people, mostly related to other Taiwanese Aborigines but also have cultural, linguistic, and genetic ties to other Austronesian ethnic groups, such as those from the Philippines, Malaysia, Indonesia, Madagascar, and Oceania. Though their language is their most defining feature, it has not been recognized as a "true language" but simply a dialect of Amis, even though both languages are not grammatically similar. Total population 2006: 458,000 (CIP 2006) 2004: 454,600 (CIP 2004) Homelands in Taiwan Mountainous terrain running in five ranges from the northern to the southern tip of the island Narrow eastern plains Orchid Island (Lán Yǔ) Languages 14 living Formosan languages. ... For other uses, see Oceania (disambiguation). ... Amis is the language of the Amis or Ami, a tribe of indigenous people on Taiwan (see Taiwanese aborigines). ...

Most Sakizaya practice ancestor worship, which includes the worship of a pantheon of gods and ancestral spirits. Their society is mostly matrilinear, and women often have the authority. On January 17, 2007, the tribe satisfied the Taiwanese government's requirements for full tribal status. Prior to this, the tribe was previously classified as Amis, the tribe where they "hid" after they, and their Kavalan allies, fought a devastating battle against Qing invaders during the late 19th century. Ancestor worship, also ancestor veneration, is a religious practice based on the belief that ones ancestors possess supernatural powers. ... Look up Pantheon in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. ... Matrilineality is a system in which one belongs to ones mothers lineage; it may also involve the inheritance of property or titles through the female line. ... is the 17th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ... For the Chinese civilization, see China. ... Total population 2006: 458,000 (CIP 2006) 2004: 454,600 (CIP 2004) Homelands in Taiwan Mountainous terrain running in five ranges from the northern to the southern tip of the island Narrow eastern plains Orchid Island (Lán YÇ”) Languages 14 living Formosan languages. ... Yilan County (宜蘭縣, pinyin: Yílán Xiàn) is a county in Northeastern Taiwan. ... Flag (1890-1912) Anthem Gong Jinou (1911) Qing China at its greatest extent. ... Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ...

History

Due to their intermingling within other tribes, the original genetic identity of the Sakizaya is uncertain. According to one study, they are intimately related to the Northern and Middle Amis.^[2] They also seem to share certain genetic traits with other tribal groups, as well as with the Taiwanese Han,^[2] though this may have been a result of intermarriage.^[2] The C2 and C3 haplogroups are absent in their population.^[2] An extinct language is a language which no longer has any native speakers, in contrast to a dead language, which is is a language which has stopped changing in grammar, vocabulary, and the complete meaning of a sentence. ... Old photo of the Tao people on the shore of Orchid Island, ca. ... Old photo of the people of Orchid Island, near Taiwan published in a Japanese colonial government publication, ca. ... An endangered language is a language with so few surviving speakers that it is in danger of falling out of use. ... This article is about the people of Taiwan. ... In human genetics, Haplogroup C is a human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup. ... In human genetics, Haplogroup C is a human mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup. ... A haplogroup is a large group of haplotypes, which are series of alleles at specific locations on the chromosome. ...

Early history

Much of the history of the Sakizaya is still unknown. It is unclear when the Sakizaya, or their ancestors, first arrived in Taiwan. According to some experts, the first human inhabitants of the island arrived 15,000 years ago and were dependent on marine life for survival.^[3] Neolithic peoples began arriving 6,000 years ago, which allowed the advent of agriculture, domestic animals, polished stone adzes, and pottery.^[3] The presence of these adzes imply a relation with the Penghu islands, where these objects are common.^[3] An array of Neolithic artifacts, including bracelets, axe heads, chisels, and polishing tools. ... The tool known as the adze serves for smoothing rough-cut wood in hand woodworking. ... The Pescadores Islands (Chinese: 澎湖群島; Wade-Giles: Peng-hu; Pinyin: Pénghú, from Portuguese, fishermen) are an archipelago in the Taiwan Strait. ...

Colonial era

The first contact with the tribe outside of Formosa occurred during the 17th century, when the Dutch and the Spanish arrived.^[4] It was during this time when a 1636 Spanish document was written about the name and activities of the people.^[5] Since then, there were not any reports of external contact until the 19th century. Formosa is a place name which comes from Portuguese (*from Latin formosus, meaning beautiful). The following places bear the name: The island of Taiwan was historically known as Formosa, the name given by Portuguese sailors due to the beauty of its coasts. ... (16th century - 17th century - 18th century - more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 17th century was that century which lasted from 1601-1700. ... A map showing the territory that the Netherlands held at various points in history. ... An anachronous map of the overseas Spanish Empire (1492-1898) in red, and the Spanish Habsburg realms in Europe (1516-1714) in orange. ... Alternative meaning: Nineteenth Century (periodical) (18th century — 19th century — 20th century — more centuries) As a means of recording the passage of time, the 19th century was that century which lasted from 1801-1900 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar. ...

Unlike earlier ones, 19th century contacts with the tribe were not peaceful. During the "Mudan Incident",^[6] the Japanese sent 3,600 troops in 1874 to punish the “vicious, violent and cruel” tribes,^[6] accusing them of murdering their shipwrecked sailors.^[5] This event turned out to be "brutal" which was due to the Japanese policy to "exterminate" the tribes.^[6] Combatants Paiwan tribes Empire of Japan Commanders Paiwan tribal leaders Saigō Tsugumichi Strength Paiwan Tribesmen: ? Japanese: 3,600 Casualties Killed: 30 Wounded: ? Killed: 12 Wounded: ? Diseased: 531 The Taiwan Expedition of 1874 (Japanese: Taiwan Shuppei: 台湾出兵. In Taiwan, the expedition is referred to as the Mudan incident. ... Total population 2006: 458,000 (CIP 2006) 2004: 454,600 (CIP 2004) Homelands in Taiwan Mountainous terrain running in five ranges from the northern to the southern tip of the island Narrow eastern plains Orchid Island (Lán YÇ”) Languages 14 living Formosan languages. ...

In 1878, the Sakizaya, and their Kavalan allies, fought a devastating battle against Qing invaders.^[7] This event ended in disaster for the both tribes causing many of their tribesmen to be slaughtered in an event called the "Takobowan Incident"^[4] (also known as the “Galeewan Incident”^[8] or “Kalyawan Battle”)^[2]. Others were displaced by Han settlers.^[8] The remaining Sakizaya, meanwhile, were forced to blend with other tribes, such as the Ami, with the intention of protecting their identity.^[1] The Kavalan (People living in the plain) (Chinese: 噶瑪蘭族) or Kuvalan are an indigenous people of Taiwan, part of the larger Taiwanese aborigine ethnic group. ... Flag (1890-1912) Anthem Gong Jinou (1911) Qing China at its greatest extent. ... Language(s) Chinese languages Religion(s) Predominantly Mahayana Buddhism and Taoism. ... Total population 2006: 458,000 [4] 2004: 454,600 [5] Homelands in Taiwan Mountainous terrain running in five ranges from the northern to the southern tip of the island Narrow eastern plains Orchid Island (Lán YÇ”) Languages 14 living Formosan languages. ...

When the Japanese conquered Taiwan in 1895, anthropologists classified the tribe as a sub-group of the Ami.^[9] The tribe, however, discreetly maintained their own culture and language which continued during the next century.^[1] His Imperial Majesty, Emperor Akihito of Japan The Emperor of Japan (天皇, tennō) is Japans titular head of state and the head of the Japanese imperial family. ...

Modern times

In 2004, the tribe presented a petition for official tribal status to the Council of Indigenous Peoples based on historical, linguistic and cultural data.^[10] This was soon officially filed on October 14, 2005.^[11] Eventually, the petition was approved on January 17, 2007, recognizing them as a tribal group.^[10][12] The Council of Indigenous Peoples (原住民族委員會) (sometimes referred to as Council of Aboriginal Affairs), a ministry-level body under the Executive Yuan in Taiwan, was established in 1996 to provide a central point of government supervision for indigenous affairs, as well as a central interface for the Taiwans indigenous community... is the 287th day of the year (288th in leap years) in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2005 (MMV) was a common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar) of the Gregorian calendar. ... is the 17th day of the year in the Gregorian calendar. ... Year 2007 (MMVII) was a common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. ...

Like other Taiwanese Aborigines, the Sakizaya face contemporary social and economic challenges.^[13] These include urbanization of the youth, a phenomenon that may affect their culture.^[14]

Language

The Sakizaya speaks a language classified as a dialect of Nataoran Amis,^[15][16] a Formosan language that belongs to the Austronesian language family.^[15] However, the National Chengchi University, has stated that it remains 60–70 percent different from the Amis language despite the two groups living together.^[5] Currently, there are about 2,000 speakers of the language.^[5] The Formosan languages are a group of Austronesian languages spoken 2% of the population of Taiwan, almost exclusively aboriginals. ... See alternative meanings for other possible definitions. ... The Austronesian languages are a language family widely dispersed throughout the islands of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, with a few members spoken on continental Asia. ... 國立政治大學 National Chengchi University © National Chengchi University National Chengchi University (Traditional Chinese: 國立政治大學; Simplified Chinese: 国立政治大学; Pinyin: Guólì Zhèngzhì Dàxué; National Political University) is a public university at Muzha in Wenshan District, Taipei City, Taiwan. ... Amis is the language of the Amis or Ami, a tribe of indigenous people on Taiwan (see Taiwanese aborigines). ...

The tribe also speaks several other languages. These include languages spoken by the tribes where they have hidden such as Amis,^[5] and also Mandarin, the official language of the country.^[17] Amis is the language of the Amis or Ami, a tribe of indigenous people on Taiwan (see Taiwanese aborigines). ... Taiwanese Mandarin (Traditional Chinese: ; Hanyu Pinyin: ; Wade-Giles: Tai2-wan1 Kuo2-yü3; also 台灣華語, Táiwān Huáyǔ) is the dialect of Mandarin Chinese spoken on Taiwan. ... For the Chinese civilization, see China. ...

Religion

The Sakizaya practice a variety of religions. These include traditional beliefs that mixes aspects of Ancestor Worship and Animism,^[18] Some may also practice Christianity.^[19]

Currently, the traditional religious beliefs of the Sakizaya are currently experiencing external pressures since many of the tribesmen may have converted to Christianity.^[19] The threat is also heighthened by the increasing importance of Christianity to the community.^[19] Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Relation to other religions Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Christianity Portal This box:      Christianity is a monotheistic[1] religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament. ...

Ancestor worship/animism

Dito

The tribe is known to practice ancestor worship.^[5] They believe on a pantheon of ancestral spirits and deities known as dito, similar to the kawas of the Amis,^[18] as well as the anito of the Filipinos. They are considered to be "fickle as the weather"^[18] so priests or mapalaway are necessary to communicate with them.^[18] They are also invisible to most people though they are known to wear red.^[18] Several beliefs are associated with these spirits, such as pregnancy and death.^[18] The homeland of the dito is Meilun Mountain in Hualien, which is also the place where the deceased pass through before finally resting in the sea.^[18] Ancestor worship, also ancestor veneration, is a religious practice based on the belief that ones ancestors possess supernatural powers. ... Anitos were idols worshiped by some Filipinos before the coming of the Spaniards. ...

Gods and rituals

The Sakizaya have several gods. A few examples include Malataw‧Otoki, the deity the spirit of the world, Olipong, the god that "drives away illnesses", and Talaman or Takonawan, the god of the poor.^[18] An individual's personal dito also become the god of death once they have passed away.^[18]

Rituals are practiced to appease the dito^[18] and often mimic rituals performed by other Austronesian peoples.^[20] The practice of these are dictated according to the seasons; spring or pasavaan, summer or ralod, fall or sadinsing, and winter or kasinawan.^[20] An example of these is the Palamal or the "Worship of the Fire God".^[4] The Austronesian languages are a language family widely dispersed throughout the islands of Southeast Asia and the Pacific, with a few members spoken on continental Asia. ...

According to a Japanese document, several rituals are associated with the main staples, millet or havay and dry rice or tipus.^[20] These included the "Millet Sowing Ritual", "Fishing Ritual", "Collecting Ritual", "Harvest Ritual", and "Storing Ritual", which are all based on the growth of the millet.^[20] For other uses, see Millet (disambiguation). ...

Christianity

Another religion practiced by some Sakizaya is Christianity. The religion first arrived in Formosa during the age of European colonization. Its formal arrival occurred in 1627, during the arrival of Georgius Candidius, the first ordained minister ever to step foot on the island.^[21] According to this missionary, the conversion of the natives was effective.^[21] The conversion was so successful that native clergymen soon became a necessity.^[21] This success, however, was shortlived since Christians faced persecution after the arrival of the Chinese.^[21] It was not until late in the 20th century when this religion began to achieve its resurgence.^[19] Topics in Christianity Movements · Denominations Ecumenism · Relation to other religions Preaching · Prayer Music · Liturgy · Calendar Symbols · Art · Criticism Christianity Portal This box:      Christianity is a monotheistic[1] religion centered on the life and teachings of Jesus of Nazareth as presented in the New Testament. ... (19th century - 20th century - 21st century - more centuries) Decades: 1900s 1910s 1920s 1930s 1940s 1950s 1960s 1970s 1980s 1990s As a means of recording the passage of time, the 20th century was that century which lasted from 1901–2000 in the sense of the Gregorian calendar (1900–1999 in the...

Currently, almost 70 percent of Taiwanese Aborigines practice Christianity,^[19] though the exact number of Sakizaya practicing this religion is uncertain. The religion has become effective in maintaining social unity,^[19] which has traditionally been held by traditional practices.

Society and culture

Only a few aspects of the Sakizaya's society and culture have been revealed. It is known that they have a matrilinear society. Women often have the authority in the household.^[14] Matrilineality is a system in which one belongs to ones mothers lineage; it may also involve the inheritance of property or titles through the female line. ...

In terms of survival, fishing and hunting are important.^[14] Rice cultivation also forms a significant aspect of their food production. This practice is thought to have been acquired through the Kavalan.^[14] Millet is also important not only as a food source but also as way in determining the occasions of various festivals.^[14] For the computer security term, see Phishing. ... This article is about the hunting of prey by human society. ... For other uses, see Rice (disambiguation). ... Yilan County (宜蘭縣, pinyin: Yílán Xiàn) is a county in Northeastern Taiwan. ... For other uses, see Millet (disambiguation). ...

Golden robes are usually worn by important tribal leaders during special celebrations.^[4] Headhunting was once prevalent^[22] but has now fallen out of practice.^[23] This article or section does not cite any references or sources. ...

Currently, the culture of the Sakizaya is under threat due to the small but steady urbanization of Sakizaya youth.^[14] Efforts to preserve their culture have been initiated by the government,^[24] which believes this could be beneficial to ecotourism.^[24] Tapanti National Park in Costa Rica Ecotourism, also known as ecological tourism, is a form of tourism that appeals to the ecologically and socially conscious individuals. ...

Age-class systems

According to Japanese researchers, Sakizaya men are divided into age-class systems, known as sral, where they would stay in about five years.^[14] Between infancy and 15 years of age, boys are classed into the child class or wawa.^[14] They would soon participate in a ritual known as Masatrot and be trained in a youth-house or talaon, where they would learn to obey orders as well as certain commands.^[14] Once they accomplished this, they would move to the preparatory youth class or kapah and stay there until they are 23 years of age, when they finally reach the superior class.^[14]

References