The Taromak Tribe, located in Dongxing Village, Beinan Township, Taitung County, is a significant settlement of the Eastern Rukai people and the only Rukai settlement in Taitung County. The tribe is situated on the river terraces on the left bank of the Lijia River, surrounded by mountains and boasting a rich ecological environment. It is approximately a 30-minute drive from downtown Taitung, offering convenient transportation.
"Taromak" means "place of warriors" in the Rukai language. Legend has it that the tribe is descended from the sun god. The tribe has undergone numerous migrations and reconstructions, with its earliest traces dating back to the Dutch household register of 1650, when it was called "Da Nan She." In recent years, with the rise of community consciousness, the tribe has actively rebuilt traditional buildings, such as the men's meeting house, the chief's house, and the ancestral house, to recreate the core of Rukai culture.
The Darumaq tribe is renowned for its millet harvest and swing festivals, held each July. These are the Rukai's most important annual ceremonies. Organized by the Alakowa (Men's Gathering House), the festival includes prayers, offerings, and a swinging ritual. These rituals demonstrate the tribe's reverence for nature and their ancestors, and also symbolize the season of love for young men and women.
The tribe, home to approximately 1,600 residents, maintains a rich tradition of craftsmanship, such as weaving, basketry, and woodcarving, showcasing the Rukai's exquisite artistic talent. In recent years, the tribe has also actively promoted green energy and community-driven development, moving towards a sustainable cultural community.
