The Gaoshan People

Most Gaoshans live in the mountain areas and flat valleys along the eastern coast of Taiwan Island and on the Isle of Lanyu. A minority lives in Fujian, Shanghai, Beijing and Wuhan on the mainland. Their language belongs to the Indonesian language group of the Malay/Polynesian language family and has a total of 22 languages divided into many branches. Each one differs in language, vocabulary and grammar. Because of their different dialects and different locales, the Gaoshan are divided into many sub-groups, some of which are the Amei, Paiwan, Taiya, Pingpu, Bunong, Lukai and Binan.

Some Gaoshan tattoo their faces, limbs--and sometimes the entire body. The designs are objects found in nature or legendary creatures. All the Pingpu women must tattoo their bodies before they can marry as a man will not marry an untattooed woman. This tradition of tattooing remains in spite of the pain involved because it is a custom handed down by their ancestors.

Those of the Paiwan and Lukai subgroups are considered expert carvers. "Designs of human figures, animals, flowers, plants and geometrical patterns are carved on every article of their everyday life, on their personal ornaments, musical instruments and the doors, windows, ceilings, beams and rafters of their houses as well as their weapons and religious paraphernalia." Most prominent is the serpent. The Paiwan carved wooden jar is likewise a favorite. The houses of both the Paiwan and Lukai have elaborate decorations on the pillars, beams, rafters and lintels of both doors and windows. The image of the ancestor is the prominent motif on the pillars, and some images clearly show the male and female sex organs.

The Gaoshan worship nature and ancestors. They believe the soul of their ancestors will bless them. For this reason they thank their ancestors during the harvest season and pray for a good harvest the following year. "Hunting a man's head for worshipping and many of the taboos in daily lives are some of the customs set by their ancestors. If anyone disobey the orders, disasters will happen to his family or even the whole village." To them certain plants and animals have spirits and are not to be eaten but worshipped. Witches treat patients and pray for rain or sun.

When Holland ruled Taiwan, many missionaries evangelized among the Gaoshan. In 10 years of witness, 5,000 came to Christ. In 1661, the missionaries were driven away or killed and churches destroyed. The Gaoshan returned to their former religions.