Ballads play an important role in the promotion of Taiwanese indigenous culture. To showcase the culture of "Amis Malan Macacadaay," an indispensable form of traditional indigenous singing by the Amis Malan tribe (馬蘭部落) in Taitung, the General Association of Chinese Culture (GACC) has released a new episode featuring the Chu-Yin Culture and Arts Troupe (杵音文化藝術團) as part of its video series "The Soul of the Craftsman (匠人魂)."
According to a press release issued by GACC, the Amis Malan tribe is characterized by its unique culture of polyphonic music and traditional poem ballads. Malan Amis' polyphonic music incorporates "call-and-response," "high voice and low voice," and "curving" singing methods which makes it a versatile polyphonic form. The "Amis Malan Macacadaay" is performed for different occasions and sentiments in everyday life and has been passed down through generations.
GACC mentioned that the Grammy Award-winning album "Pakelang" was inspired and named after an event that is held after weddings and funerals of the Amis Malan tribe called "Pakelang." Macacadaay became an indispensable and important form of traditional indigenous singing, and also features the connotation of tribal cohesion and passing on tribal culture. In 2021, it was registered by the Ministry of Culture as an important traditional performing art.
In the latest episode of "The Soul of the Craftsman," GACC documented how Kao Shu-chuan (高淑娟), the founder of the Chu-Yin Culture and Arts Troupe, revitalized the classic tribal ballads. With the support of her husband, Kao founded the troupe in 1997 with the aim of preserving and promoting the traditional singing culture of the Amis Malan tribe. The troupe was designated a national treasure in 2021 by the MOC.
Kao Shu-chuan was born in the Sa'aniwan tribe in Taichung. Her late father-in-law Kao guan-ye (郭光也) was committed to promoting traditional tribal laws and regulations and passing on ballads. In the video, Kao said she raised her children in the tribe which not only nourished them, but also enriched her life.
"The Soul of the Craftsman" series is available on GACC's Facebook page and YouTube channel.
