[Life] Ovayan Golden Friendship completes historic voyage, opening a new chapter in Taiwan-Philippines Austronesian cultural exchange
bella@@ 央廣 新聞3h agoEdited
With 60 paddlers taking turns, following ancient sea routes, from Lanyu Longmen Harbor to Batan Island, Philippines, the "Lanyu-Batan 300-Year Inaugural Voyage" successfully arrived at Mahatao Port in the Batanes Islands on the afternoon of the 16th, after a challenging 2-day, 1-night journey across the Luzon Strait and the Kuroshio Current. This marked the resumption of cross-sea cultural voyages after 300 years, symbolizing the renewed deep friendship between the Tao (Yami) people of Lanyu and the Ivatan people of the Batanes Islands, reconnected through the ocean.
The Indigenous Peoples Cultural Foundation (IPCF), which organized this event, stated that the "Ovayan Golden Friendship," built over two years by people from six tribes in Lanyu, set sail from Lanyu Longmen Harbor on the 15th. Sixty paddlers took turns propelling the boat along the ancestral sea routes. During the voyage, the fleet encountered strong southwest monsoons and challenging giant waves. Facing the turbulent currents and unpredictable sea conditions of the Luzon Strait, the people persevered with their inherited maritime wisdom and unwavering determination. Finally, with the assistance of all crew members, the support team, and the escort vessel "Porrima P111," they safely completed this historically significant journey.
"Ovayan Golden Friendship" completed its 300-year historic voyage across the Kuroshio Current and giant waves over two days and one night. (Provided by IPCF)
The organizer, the Council of Indigenous Peoples, stated that Lanyu and the Batanes Islands share deep historical connections in language, culture, and maritime lifestyle. In the past, people frequently traveled between the two islands using plank boats, but this exchange was interrupted in modern times due to the formation of national borders and political differences. The successful resumption of the "Ovayan Golden Friendship" voyage is not only an important cultural practice but also highlights Taiwan's diverse cultural values as a maritime nation and the spirit of Austronesian culture. Upon arrival, the 60 paddlers performed a grand boat-launching ceremony and Tao (Yami) warrior dances, showcasing the vitality of Lanyu's traditional maritime culture. Many Batanes residents witnessed the traditional Lanyu boat-launching ceremony and warrior dances for the first time, receiving continuous applause and cheers, creating a warm and moving scene.
"Ovayan Golden Friendship" arrives in Batan Island, with 60 paddlers working together to land. (Provided by IPCF)
During the welcome dinner held in the evening, Maraos, Chairman of the IPCF, and Ronald P. Aguto, Jr., Governor of the Province of Batanes, Philippines, exchanged tokens of goodwill and delivered cultural speeches.
Ljaucu Zingrur, Minister of the Council of Indigenous Peoples, announced at the earlier departure ceremony that the "Ovayan Golden Friendship" would be donated to the Province of Batanes for educational and cultural promotion purposes, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two regions. Governor Aguto of Batanes expressed his commitment to facilitating a return voyage by Ivatan people from Batan to Lanyu along the same ancestral routes next year, ensuring that this 300-year inaugural voyage is not just a one-time arrival but the beginning of renewed travel and mutual support between Taiwan and the Austronesian ethnic groups of the Philippines.
Maraos also stated that this exchange is not only a continuation of the 300-year friendship between Lanyu and Batan but also an important milestone in cultural exchange within the Pacific region. He expressed hope for continued promotion of direct visits and cultural cooperation between the two regions, ensuring the intergenerational transmission of Austronesian cultural ties across the ocean.
Maraos further pointed out that the Luzon Strait and the Kuroshio Current are areas with very strong currents in the Western Pacific. During the voyage, the drastic changes in currents and tides were clearly felt. He expressed gratitude to "Porrima P111" for its escort and support throughout the journey, forming a crucial partnership with the "Ovayan Golden Friendship."
He also stated that this voyage allowed everyone to gain a deeper appreciation for the great ability of their ancestors to travel between the two places using their knowledge of the sea and navigation skills. It also allowed this sea route, silent for 300 years, to be reconnected by the hands and beliefs of the Austronesian people, bringing a perfect conclusion to this challenging and moving cultural voyage. (Editor: Hsu Chia-yuan)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=214998
How does this article make you feel?
0 people reacted