Embodied cultural heritage: harvest ritual dancing in indigenous community, Makotaay, Taiwan

The harvest ritual (Ilisin) of Makotaay, one of indigenous Pangcah communities in Taiwan, is known for its preserved tradition, and it is registered by Cultural Heritage Preservation Act of Taiwan to be an important intangible cultural heritage at the national level in 2010. Being a crucial part of the ritual, song and dance are transmitted through observation and physical enactment annually between each member of the age grade of young men. Focusing on the present practice, the form and structure of the ritual dancing is analysed by structural analysis, revealing the performative aspect. Besides, dance as intangible cultural heritage is investigated from the practical perspective, interweaving with different interpretations in the local field.