Chinese Name: 陳木生
Born: 1943
Birthplace: Taitung County (Eastern Taiwan)
Did You Know That…?
In 2003, Haku received the honor of Accomplished Veteran Artist of Taitung. In 2010, he was awarded the first Indigenous Craft Heritage Award.
Haku (哈古) is the 69th chief of the Kasavakan Community (建和部落) in Taitung City. As an Indigenous Puyuma, his name means “coffin” in the Puyuma language—a name given by his grandfather out of disappointment, as his parents lacked the financial means to ensure the survival of his elder siblings. Despite this humble name, Haku grew up healthy as the only surviving son and eventually took on the responsibility of community chief.
Before the age of 42, Haku was a farmer, making a living with hoes and scythes. One day, he visited the Taitung Highland Culture Art exhibition at the Taiwan Provincial Social Education Hall in Taitung (臺東社教館), where he was deeply moved by the wooden sculptural works on display. From that day on, he kept carving knives close to him, practiced woodcarving whenever poor weather prevented him from working in the fields. Tirelessly honing his craft, he sculpted various depictions of life, reflecting both his own artistic journey and the spirit of his people.
As a self-taught sculptor, Haku does not rely on sketches, models, or photographs. Instead, he envisions the images in his mind, carving the wood with precision to capture the gestures and expressions of his community members. Before beginning a piece, he always speaks to the wood and prays for guidance from his ancestors. He once said “The wood was once accompanied my ancestors. It has lived longer than I have, which is why I must respect it…,” a sentiment that emphasizes his deep reverence for nature and forebears.
Each Puyuma community preserves its history through oral tradition, resulting in unique legends and stories. Haku’s sculptures pay tribute to his ancestors while reflecting his dedication to preserving traditional values and culture. He hopes that younger generations can experience the structure and ethics of traditional community life through his works, fostering a deeper understanding of their role in safeguarding their heritage.
As an artist, Haku’s keen eye for detail allows him to capture the nuances of human gestures. Regardless of the subject, his quick hands carved incredibly lifelike portrait sculptures. His vivid sculptural works not only depict age, personality, and social status but also convey the emotions and experiences of his people. He draws inspiration from everyday Puyuma life—hunting, farming, social gatherings, prayer rituals, and interactions with objects and animals.
All in all, Haku’s sculptures focus on the lives and culture of Indigenous Peoples. A masterful storyteller, he breathes life into his creations, retelling old legends and myths through wood. Despite starting his sculpting journey in his forties, his distinct artistic style quickly gained recognition within the art community. Notably, the Lion Art Monthly (雄獅美術) hosted his solo exhibition and invited him to be their in-house artist. Today, his sculptures can be found in Taitung’s renowned hotels, serving as both decorations and installations. His dedication to his craft has also led him to international exhibitions in Canada and the United States, where his work continues to share the rich cultural heritage of the Puyuma people with the world.