Chinese Culture > Culture in Taiwan > The Culture of Taiwan's Indigenous Peoples > Amis Culture
The Amis
Numbering
approximately 155,000, most of who reside in eastern valleys and coastal areas,
the Amis is the largest single group of Taiwan's indigenous peoples. Amis people
have a matrilineal system of inheritance, pass on their culture in tribal
classrooms, and have a hierarchy based on age, in which tribal chieftains have
significant authority and responsibility. Traditional productive methods include
farming, hunting, and coastal fishing. The Ilisin harvest held in July and
August with abundant singing and dancing are well known to the outside world.
Amis people are subdivided geographically into Nanshih, Gangkou, Siouguluan,
Malan, and Hengchun groups with differences in language, customs, and attire.
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