Ever wondered what headhunting banners and shell beaded garments look like? The Anthropology museum is your place to discover. I am excited to share the history and treasures of this unique museum.
The Anthropology museum at National Taiwan University is more than just a display of artifacts. It is a bridge to understanding diverse cultures. It fosters cross-cultural understanding.
The museum’s story began under Japanese rule. The Taihoku Imperial University established the Institute of Ethnology. This institute’s collection became the heart of the museum. In 1949, the university was reorganized into National Taiwan University. The Department of Anthropology inherited these precious artifacts.
In November 2010, the Anthropology museum reopened its doors. Its mission evolved from a research facility to a public museum. The museum showcases Taiwan’s rich anthropological history.
Inside the Anthropology museum, you will find items collected by Ino Kanori in 1895. He was a pioneer scholar of Taiwan’s indigenous cultures. His collection features rare items. These include Atatyl banners signifying headhunting success. Also on display are shell beaded garments and Pingpu carvings.
The museum has two main halls. The Ethnology Hall is currently open. An Archeology Hall is planned for the near future.
The Ethnology Hall presents the material cultures of Taiwan’s Austronesian-speaking Indigenous Peoples. Large cabinets hold artifacts from almost all fourteen groups. You will see ceramic pots and stone carvings. Wooden carvings are also on display. Photos depict how the Thao and Yami people used these objects.
The Gallery of Time connects past and present. It bridges the time of collection and exhibition. This encourages reflection on cultural continuity and change.
The Archeology Hall displays artifacts from the 1920s to the early 1960s. These items represent Taiwan’s indigenous peoples. Pottery, stone tools, and jade ornaments are among the finds. The collection also includes human and animal bones.
The Anthropology museum provides access to a digital collection database. Many photos and films are cataloged. You can explore these resources online.
The Anthropology museum stands as a testament to Taiwan’s cultural heritage. Its collections and exhibits provide insight. They reveal the diverse stories of the island’s people. The museum promotes understanding and appreciation. It connects visitors to the past. It inspires dialogue about the future.