The Rukai Live in The Mountains on The Southern Tip of The Central Range

The Rukai live in the mountains on the southern tip of the Central Range. With a population of around 9,000 the Rukai have a social structure similar to that of the Paiwan. The average Rukai village used to center around the chieftain. Today, class distinctions are no longer as before, with people divided into chieftains and commoners only. Due to the current political and economic framework, however, the chieftain’s traditional authority and status has declined significantly, and has been replaced by a village chief or people’s representative.

A Rukai man who has proven himself a valiant and competent hunter is entitled to wear a lily given by the chieftain. Women of chastity are also granted the same honor. It has remained a high honor to the present day.