The Tsou's Two Cognate Groups, Known as The Northern Tsou and Southern Tsou

The Tsou number roughly 6,500 and are distributed in the west of the Central Mountain Range’s central section, or the narrow strip between the rural townships of Alishan District in Chiayi County and Sanmin in Kaohsiung County.

The Tsou’s two cognate groups, known as the northern Tsou and southern Tsou, have different languages, cultural traits and customs. The Tsou are partrilineal. The men’s house, or “kuba,” serves as the religious and political center. No women are allowed to enter.

The Tsou observe the mayasvi festival annually. It was originally intended to welcome warriors returning from their hunting, usher in men’s adulthood, or mark completion of a house. During the Japanese colonial days, it was changed to an annual millet festival. The current practice combines ceremonies of worshiping heaven, praying for blessings, warding off evil spirits, and entering into adulthood.