Chinese Name: 屏東縣西西古文教協會
Established: 2018
Did You Know That…?
The Sisigu Cultural and Educational Association initiated Paiwan traditional ballads preservation projects through music recordings, archiving, interviews, research, and publications, aiming to protect this Indigenous heritage from further loss.
Founded in 2018, the Sisigu Cultural and Educational Association in Pingtung County is dedicated to preserving and transmitting Paiwan traditional ballads. Due to the neglect of Paiwan traditional music in Shizi Township (獅子鄉), Pingtung County, this art form was at serious risk of being lost. In response, the Sisigu Cultural and Educational Association initiated preservation efforts. They began by interviewing village elders in the eight villages of the township to collect these songs. After gathering the songs, they reached out to singers and recorded the music, creating audio archives. These recordings were then processed and released on CD and DVD. The songs were accompanied by detailed translations and the stories behind them. Focused on “enelja” songs, the Sisigu Cultural and Educational Association has released several audiobooks and organized educational workshops, and continues to engage in research and recording projects.
“Enelja” refers to ballads that were once widely popular within the Paiwan community, reflecting the traditional Indigenous way of life, including themes such as marriage, romantic love, job offers, and gatherings. The multifaceted nature of “enelja” underscores its significance in traditional Paiwan culture. Often categorized under “siqilaqiladj,” meaning songs performed while seated, “enelja” are used by the Paiwan people to engage in various discussions. Since the lyrics are improvised, singers must have a high level of proficiency in the Paiwan language to express themselves with elegance and depth. This proficiency allows them to perform a meaningful back-and-forth duet. Today, “enelja” is practiced in Pingtung County’s Chunrih Township (春日鄉), Shizi Township, Mudan Township (牡丹鄉), and Taitung County’s Daren Township (達仁鄉). The Sisigu Cultural and Educational Association is dedicated to the ongoing revitalization and transmission of “enelja.”
(Photo credit: Sisigu Cultural and Educational Association)