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Are the Shau people in Taiwan of Dutch descent?

Authors :
Shu-Chun Chang
Bi-Kun Tsai
Chin Jung Tu
Source :
Social Behavior and Personality: an international journal. 39:55-63
Publication Year :
2011
Publisher :
Scientific Journal Publishers Ltd, 2011.

Abstract

In this paper, the culture and origins of the Shau Aborigines of Sun Moon Lake in Central Taiwan are examined. Conclusions presented in this article depend on clues from documents and long-term observation, that reveal that the characteristics of the Shau Aborigines are quite different from those of other aboriginal inhabitants of Taiwan. They lived on islands for a long time, were good at trading, and had a high material living standard, versatile language, and facial features similar to Western people. It is assumed from many reasonable interpretations of questions concerning their cultural characteristics that they may be descended from Dutch preachers and their families in Shaulon, Tainan, who married local Pingpu Aborigines. The Shau fled from Soulang when Zheng Chen-Kung (also known as Coxinja) attacked in 1661, moving to Mattauw, then to Dorcko, Tilaossen, and finally to Lehyee, the territory of Chou Aborigines, where they settled at Laichi for a time. When they discovered Sun Moon Lake, they moved to its island where they are today.

Details

ISSN :
03012212
Volume :
39
Database :
OpenAIRE
Journal :
Social Behavior and Personality: an international journal
Accession number :
edsair.doi...........5b349c8077cce2e20e9293aae85ea14e
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.2224/sbp.2011.39.1.55