Langus Lavalian (Chiu, Meng-Ping)
Bunun Cultural Museum of Haiduan Township, Taiwan
Taiwan, Taitung
My name is Langus Lavalian (Chiu Meng-Ping), and I am a member of the Bunun people, an indigenous group in Taiwan. I currently work at the Bunun Cultural Museum in Haiduan Township, where my primary responsibilities include exhibition planning and collection research. Additionally, I am pursuing a doctoral degree in Ethnology at National Chengchi University. My research focuses on how to represent indigenous subjectivity in museum work, including knowledge system, research, community engagement, and educational outreach.
Shaping Indigenous Taiwan: Spatial Imagery of Local Museums for Indigenous Peoples in the Early 21st Century
In the post-martial law era of the 1990s, Taiwanese society embarked on a revival of Taiwan culture, reshaping the narrative of Taiwanese identity, moving towards a direction of greater diversity and respect for differences. Taiwan Indigenous peoples, in particular, emerged as significant symbols, reclaiming their societal status marginalized during the colonial period. Against the backdrop of "Community Empowerment/Development" policies, local museums have become vital cultural showcases, enhancing local identity and showcasing cultural heritage. These museums aim to express Taiwan Indigenous Peoples cultures while also capitalizing on tourism by offering unique local experiences. By the early 2000s, there were 29 Taiwan Indigenous Peoples local cultural museums established. These smaller, locally situated "cultural museums" may still fulfill the basic functions of research, collection, exhibition, and education. However, how do they depict indigenous imagery through architectural design? The construction and design of these museums are influenced by various factors, including local administrative planning, architects' design concepts, and community expectations.
This paper examines the Bunun Cultural Museum of Haiduan Township (BCM) in eastern Taiwan, exploring the specific historical context and multiple influences reflected in its architectural design and construction process. It analyzes how Bunun cultural imagery is shaped and presented in the museum space and explores differences from other indigenous local museums. Furthermore, it investigates the development of museum spaces as cultural governance institutions, emphasizing their roles in cultural preservation, exhibition research, and social communication. This study aims to provide valuable insights and references for the future design and planning of indigenous museum buildings.
Local Indigenous Museums, Architectural Imagery, Taiwan Indigenous Peoples, Bunun, Cultural Governance.