The Story of Yuma

Dear Reader,

We're super excited to bring to you a story this month on Island Folklore from Susan Chang, PhD—an artist and historian who reports on the inspiring story of Yuma Taru. Yuma is a giant in Taiwan's indigenous artistic landscape and a key conservation expert on traditional Atayal weaving art and culture.

Susan came across the works of Yuma while researching indigenous Taiwanese textiles and has submitted this amazing account of the trials, tribulations and accomplishments of Yuma Taru and her indigenous Atayal community in Taiwan.

Below, we'll also share a couple more indigenous Taiwanese stories from the Island Folklore archives!

Enjoy!

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Yuma Taru is a legendary figure among the indigenous Atayal people of Taiwan.

In 2016, the 52-year-old Yuma was designated an important conserver of traditional art by the Taiwanese Ministry of Culture. The honour highlights the over two decades she dedicated to preserving, recreating and promoting traditional Atayal textile and fabric arts.

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Island Folklore: Taiwanese Tales & Traditions, an online repository of Taiwan's folktales, history, legends, myths and traditions, is published and managed by the Island Folklore Club.

Our mission:

• To collect and preserve Taiwanese folk traditions for future generations.
• To explore and showcase Taiwan's diverse and unique blend of cultures.
• To educate and enable Taiwanese communities worldwide to take pride in the shared Taiwanese heritage.