The Paiwan people have long been renowned for their carving artistry. In Paiwan society, where the class system is clearly defined, not only are carved objects reserved for the nobility, but most carvers themselves are noblemen. Paiwan carvings come in a wide variety—hair combs, spoons, ornamental pieces, door lintels, decorative ritual knives, and sacred religious vessels—all displaying distinctive workmanship. Subjects typically depict hunting scenes, ancestral spirits, and myths, while the most common motifs are human heads and the hundred-pace viper pattern.
To present Paiwan cultural artifacts comprehensively and to familiarize more people with Paiwan craft culture, the Paiwan Carving Museum was established in 1995 under the Pingtung County Bureau of Cultural Affairs. This thematic repository uses illustrated panels to trace the development and evolution of Paiwan crafts, complemented by actual objects that allow visitors to savor the profound beauty of Paiwan art.
The museum is divided into five exhibition areas:
- The “Graphic Display Area” introduces Paiwan social hierarchy and the history of carving.
- The “Ecological Display Area” presents carving types and techniques.
- The “Large Carving Display Area” showcases life-sized human statues.
- The “Contemporary Carving Display Area” features works by modern Paiwan artists.
- The “Thematic Display Area” exhibits daily utensils, ritual objects, and hunting weapons.
Patterns of human heads, vipers, suns, and pinwheels carved on these pieces offer insight into Paiwan religious beliefs and mythological traditions.
Besides carvings, the museum also displays glass beads and pottery. Most distinctive is a full-scale traditional Paiwan slate house, virtually encapsulating the quintessence of Paiwan art. A visit here promises a deeper appreciation of Paiwan artistic culture.