Both the Tsou and the Bunun tribes have long laid claim to the title of being the earliest settlers of Yushan (
After three years of research, Chao discovered that while the Tsou were the earliest known tribe to settle in Yushan, the Bunun have lived there longer and become more numerous and prosperous.
According to Chao's film, the Tsou were already living in Yushan by the 17th century, whereas the Bunun only moved there between the late 17th century and 18th century to escape the spread of disease in the western plains.
Driven by disease and war, the Tsou began to leave Yushan en masse toward Alishan (
Eventually the Bunun also had their second migration, moving toward Jenai Township (
In the 19th century, a third migration became necessary as the Yushan hunting grounds became exhausted.
This time the tribe moved southeast toward areas in Taitung and Kaohsiung surrounding Yushan. Chao realized that with each migration the Bunun tribe continually expanded.
Chao also discovered that from the Qing period to the Japanese colonial period, those in power found Yushan to be a vital link and built roads to traverse it.
Realizing that Yushan was 20m higher than Mount Fuji, Japanese colonial rulers then named its "Neetakayama" or "new tall mountain."
While the Japanese caused environmental damage in Alishan through overlogging, Yushan was spared because of its inaccessibility and resistance by the Bunun.
Chao, currently studying for his doctorate at the Institute of Development for Indigenous Peoples at National Dong Hwa University, hails from Chohsi Township (
His grandparents led the family's move from Yushan, but Chao still grew up listening to stories about life in the mountains from his elders.
When his cousin became a park ranger in Yushan, Chao visited the mountain often and became more intimate with the place his ancestors called the "sacred mountain."
Three years ago, Chao began to film Yushan's anthropology and archaeology.
In order to get more historical background, Chao began to recall childhood memories of his mother tongue so that he could interview the elders.
As a bonus, Chao got to learn more about his mother tongue in the course of making the film.
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