Plucking Sounds From the Past 撥弦弄樂話“泰雅”

Many of us have passed through Wulai to view its famous waterfall, but have you ever stopped to appreciate the unique sounds coming from the heart of this ancient aboriginal village?

The Atayal tribe, which inhabits this mountainous region, has been developing its musical heritage for hundreds of years, cultivating the sounds that play such an important role in tribal traditions. From ritual songs to those intended purely for entertainment, the Atayal, like all other aboriginal groups, have been using music to transmit knowledge and enhance social relations.

Playing a prominent role in Atayal music is the Jew's harp. Made from bamboo or metal, it is held in the teeth and emits an eerie buzzing tone when plucked. It is either played on its own or used to accompany solo voices and duets.

The Atayal are proud to demonstrate their unique musical style, so next time you are in Wulai, check out an aboriginal show and gain some insight into Taiwan's ancient, musical past.

我們許多人都去過烏來觀賞那里聞名的瀑布，但你是否曾經停下來去聆聽那來自古老土著居民村落內心深處的獨特音樂呢？

住在烏來山區的泰雅族，幾百年來一直在發展著自己的音樂傳統。它所孕育出的音樂風格在部落傳統中扮演著極為重要的角色。和其它土著居民群一樣，泰雅族也通過音樂來傳遞知識和加強社會關系。從祭典歌曲到純為娛樂的音樂，它都應有盡有。

豎琴在泰雅族音樂中扮演著顯著的角色。它是用竹子或金屬做的，演奏時銜在牙齒間會發出詭異的嗡嗡響。它可以單獨演奏，也可以為獨唱或二重唱伴奏。

泰雅族對展現他們特有的樂風感到自豪。所以下次到烏來游玩時，去看它一場土著居民的表演，去體會一下臺灣古老音樂的悠久歷史吧。