Culture Minister Hung Meng-chi (洪孟啟) visited Chien Yu-ying (簡玉英) and Ke Ju-lan (柯菊蘭), two Atayal elders with traditional facial tattoos, in Taian Township of Miaoli County on April 19.
Facial tattoos have been part of a long-running cultural tradition for Taiwan's indigenous Atayal, Sediq, and Truku tribes. As a token of personal honor and glory, it marks group affiliation and serves as a symbol of adulthood. The practice was banned by Japanese colonial authorities while they ruled Taiwan from 1895 to 1945, and it has since dwindled.
Accompanied by Supervisor Liu Mei-lan (劉美蘭) of Taian Township and Director Shy Gwo-long (施國隆) of the Bureau of Cultural Heritage, Minister Hung offered praise and encouragement to the two tattooed elders, commending them for maintaining the unique cultural tradition.
