Identity Seen in the Acculturation of Sumo Done by Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan, Chihpen Puyuma

Abstract

Taiwan was the first area to come under Japanese Imperial rule. This study examines the cultural changes of the Indigenous Peoples of Taiwan, the Puyuma in Chihpen, through their colonial experience by taking their sumo practice as an example. At Taitung city, Chihpen, ethnic sports such as long distance running, sumo, and traditional dance are performed in the “Xiao mi ji (millet festival)” in July every year. Of particular note is the existence of the “Dohyo (sumo ring)” in sumo. This form of sumo is the result of the cultural interaction made with the Japanese from the time of their first contact. This cultural interaction led the Puyuma to come a new appreciation of their own “traditional” culture and identity, which continues to this day. It came to have a new appreciation as their “tradition”, and has also resulted by the end of today after the war. It can be said that Chihpen sumo has departed from the history of colonializm and has developed into its own unique ethnic sport.