Austronesian Canoe 'Eye of the Ocean' Embarked by 3 Indigenous Groups Across Borders

Liberty Times highlights a significant cultural achievement in Taitung: the launch of the 'Mata No Riyal' (Eye of the Ocean), a new Austronesian canoe built through the collaborative efforts of Taiwan's Amis and Dauan indigenous peoples, alongside the Chamorro people from Guam. This vessel is more than just a mode of transport; it is a 'moving culture,' a testament to the shared heritage and ingenuity of Austronesian communities. Governor Rao Ching-ling emphasized Taitung's role as a crucial starting point for Austronesian cultural connections, envisioning the canoe as a symbol of cultural exchange, knowledge transmission, and shared identity across the vast Pacific. The construction itself is a fusion of traditions, with Dauan boat builders employing the traditional tatala plank-boat technique and the Amis utilizing their bamboo raft weaving methods, enhanced by Palauan shipbuilding expertise. This inter-tribal and cross-island collaboration embodies the spirit of unity and shared ancestry that defines the Austronesian world. The 'Eye of the Ocean' is poised to become a vital educational tool, fostering understanding of maritime civilization and strengthening bonds between Taiwan and other Austronesian regions, showcasing Taitung as the 'homeland of Austronesian culture' to the world.

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Taitung is an important starting point for outward connections of Austronesian culture. Canoes are not only means of transportation but also symbols of cultural exchange, knowledge transmission, and Austronesian identity.