The “Kakituluan paka tua vaqu” located in the Rulakes tribe is the first millet-themed hall of the traditional agricultural food of the aboriginal people in Taiwan. Originally the unused LiQiu primary school, has been remodeled by the Taitung agricultural brand of “Patagilj” so that tourists can experience and understand Paiwan culture when they come to Kakituluan paka tua vaqu.
Introduction
There are long rows of old school buildings, and the outdoor space has been turned into a “cultural corridor”. Cultural installations are used to guide tourists in understanding the culture of Paiwan. Pictures hung in the internal corridor display historical imagery, and the classrooms are converted into “Story Hall”, “Food Conference Hall”, “Grocery Store” and “Experience Space”. The development of tribes in the south link area is conveyed in three-dimensions, using millet products as the main narrative axis.
“Quinoa is inseparable” is the featured package tour of Kakituluan paka tua vaqu. The itinerary includes guided tours, specialty meal, hand-made craft activities, and hunting experience, a series rich in content both dynamic and quiet.
The tour starts with a “ceremony of water and fire”. First step is to slap the buttocks with the branches and leaves of Qilixiang to remove filth from the body, which is a ceremony of the Paiwan people when receiving important guests. Next write down your wishes on myrtle wood and burn it in the basin, which signifies a sincere prayer to the ancestors. Third step is to wash your hands with water flowing from the pottery urn—which represents the mother in Paiwan culture. In the opening ceremony, local natural materials are used and incorporared with traditional Paiwan culture, and the topography of Dawu Mountain and Jinlun River Basin are displayed through the use of models. Visitors gain a sense of “returning to the tribe” before they start on the rest of their journey.
Characteristics
Grains
“Paragilj”, which created Kakituluan paka tua vaqu, embarked on the road of brand creation in the role of a farmer. It is currently the largest sales platform for indigenous grains in Taiwan. Tons of millet and red quinoa are sold annually. Millet is planted in spring, and red quinoa or roselle are planted in rotation during winter. About five minutes’ walk up high from the school, one can overlook the nearest farmland, encompassing an area of around 2000sqm, and the rest of the leased farmland is scattered in various places among the tribal mountains. Access for heavy machinery is inconvenient, and the tribe maintains the traditional method of manual harvesting.
The “Rain-dripped Millet Wine” sold at the grocery store of Kakituluan paka tua vaqu is a drink worthy of the Taiwan State Banquet. They cooperate with tribal mothers to make millet rice dumpling (Cinavu) to pass on the traditional delicacy of the aborigines.
