In a bid to safeguard her tribal culture, which she believes is in danger of being forgotten, Siumuyi Peihu of the Atayal tribe -- one of Taiwan's 10 officially recognized Aboriginal tribes -- will display her personal tribal-relic collection at six Taipei schools, starting today.
"Through displaying [the relics], I hope that everyone, whether they are Aborigines or Han-Chinese, students or not, will come to appreciate the beauty and the richness of Atayal culture," said Peihu, a professional choreographer.
The exhibition tour, co-sponsored by Taipei City Government's Bureau of Cultural Affairs, kicks off today at the Taipei Hsin-hsing Junior High School and will run until the end of May.
"Other display-tour locations include Jen-ai and Chieh-shou Junior High Schools, as well as Hsin-ya, Chung-shan and Tong-hu Elementary Schools," she said.
"The reason why we chose to stage these exhibitions at local schools is because these locations provide convenient spots from where to introduce youngsters to the culture -- and to broaden their insight into other cultures," she said.
"Each and every displayed item has a rich history behind it," said Peihu, adding that several of the pieces dated from centuries ago.
Aside from displaying her personal collection of tribal relics -- including traditional tribal costumes, woven clothes, tapestries, head-bands, wooden tools, rattan works and accessories -- Peihu said she will also educate the students of host schools, and any interested visitors, about the traditional dances and songs of the Atayal.
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