[Life] Ovayan Golden Friendship Completes Historic Voyage, Opening a New Chapter in Taiwan-Philippines Austronesian Cultural Exchange
bellala 央廣7h agoEdited
With 60 paddlers relaying, following ancient sea routes, from Lanyu's Longmen Port 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 a 300-year hiatus, symbolizing the re-establishment of deep friendship between the Tao (Yami) people of Lanyu and the Ivatan people of Batanes through the ocean.
The Indigenous Peoples Cultural Foundation (IPCF), which organized the event, stated that the "Ovayan Golden Friendship," built by people from 6 tribes in Lanyu over two years, set sail from Lanyu's Longmen Port on the 15th. Sixty paddlers took turns, propelling the boat by human power along the ancestral sea routes. During the voyage, the fleet encountered challenges from strong southwest monsoons and huge waves. Facing the turbulent currents and unpredictable sea conditions of the Luzon Strait, the people persevered with their inherited maritime wisdom and firm will. Finally, with the assistance of all crew members, the support team, and the escort vessel "Porrima P111," the historically significant voyage was completed safely.
"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 Batanes Islands share deep connections in language, culture, and marine lifestyle. In the past, people frequently exchanged visits using plank boats, but this ceased 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 multicultural values as a maritime nation and the spirit of Austronesian culture.
Upon arrival, the 60 paddlers held a grand boat-launching ceremony and performed Tao (Yami) war dances, showcasing the vitality of Lanyu's traditional maritime culture. Many Batanes residents witnessed the traditional Lanyu boat-launching culture and war dance performances for the first time, receiving continuous applause and cheers, creating a lively and moving scene.
"Ovayan Golden Friendship" arrived in Batan Island, with 60 paddlers working together to disembark. (Provided by IPCF)
During the welcome dinner held in the evening, the Chairman of IPCF, Maraos, and the Governor of Batanes Province, Philippines, Ronald P. Aguto, Jr., exchanged tokens and delivered cultural speeches.
Ljaucu Zingrur, Minister of the Council of Indigenous Peoples, announced at the previous departure ceremony that the "Ovayan Golden Friendship" would be donated to Batan Province for educational and cultural promotion purposes, symbolizing the enduring friendship between the two regions. Batanes Governor Aguto stated that he would actively facilitate the Ivatan people of Batan to paddle back to Lanyu along the same ancestral route next year, making this 300-year inaugural voyage not just a single arrival, but the beginning of renewed exchange and mutual protection between the Austronesian ethnic groups of Taiwan and 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 in the Pacific region. He hopes to continue promoting direct visits and cultural cooperation between the two places in the future, so that the Austronesian cultural friendship across the ocean can be passed down through generations.
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 his gratitude to "Porrima P111" for its escort and support throughout the journey, forming the most important 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 relying on their knowledge of the sea and maritime wisdom. 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: Xu Jiayuan)
Source Link: https://www.rti.org.tw/news?uid=3&pid=214998
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