英文摘要 |
On November 8, 1871, some 54 Ryukyuan castaways were massacred by Paiwan aborigines in Sinuvaudane (Botan Tribe) area. In the name of chastising the murderers, Japanese army invaded Taiwan in April, 1874 and provoked fierce conflicts with the aborigines. This is the so-called Botan Tribe Incident in Taiwan history. Numerous studies have been done on the Botan Tribe Incident either from China or from Japan. However, some doubts still remain to be clarified, especially about what tribe of Paiwan should be blamed for killing 54. Ryukyuans. Moreover, opinions are widely divided about what caused the Paiwan tribesmen to kill these Ryukyuan castaways despite the fact that they initially offered the castaways food and shelters. By reviewing historical records and literature reports, this study leads to the following conclusions: Who killed 54 Ryukyuan castaways? According to Qing China, 54 Ryukyuan castaways were killed by tribesmen of Sinuvaudane . Japan has the same official report. Yet some researchers believe that 54 castaways were killed by tribesmen of Sinuvaudane and Kuskus. Recent researches in Taiwan indicate that 54 castaways were killed by tribesmen of Kuskus. Nevertheless, Yang Tienchai, the fourth descendant of Yang Youwang, who saved 12 castaways in the incident, declares that 54 Ryukyuan castaways were killed by Paiwan tribesmen of Sinuvaudane , Kuskus, Tjaljunay and Tatalivan .After careful research, this study suggests that 54 Ryukyuan castaways were killed by Paiwan tribesmen of Sinuvaudane , Kuskus, Tjaljunay and Tatalivan. What's the motive of the killing? According to Japan, Paiwan tribesmen murdered the castaways just to rob their belongings. Paiwan tribesmen explained that they mistook these castaways as the hostile Han people. A senior tribesman of Kuskus pointed out that the image Associate Professor, School of Liberal Education, Shih Chien University, Kaohsiung Campus massacre was for the protection of Paiwan tribesmen and their territory. This study inclines to suggest the murder of 54 Ryukyuan castaways was for the protection of Paiwan tribesmen and their territory. |