
Truly Human
Indigeneity and Indigenous Resurgence on Formosa
Scott E. Simon(Author)
University of Toronto Press
Published on 20. April 2023
Book
Paperback/Softback
388 pages
978-1-4875-4586-4 (ISBN)
Description
The Sediq and Truku Indigenous peoples on the mountainous island of Formosa - today called Taiwan - say that their ancestors emerged in the beginning of time from Pusu Qhuni, a tree-covered boulder in the highlands. Living in the mountain forests, they observed the sacred law of Gaya, seeking equilibrium with other humans, the spirits, animals, and plants. They developed a politics in which each community preserved its autonomy and sharing was valued more highly than personal accumulation of goods or power. These lifeworlds were shattered by colonialism, capitalist development, and cultural imperialism in the twentieth century.
Based on two decades of ethnographic field research, Truly Human portrays these peoples' lifeworlds, teachings, political struggles for recognition, and relations with non-human animals. Taking seriously their ontological claims that Gaya offers moral guidance to all humans, Scott E. Simon reflects on what this particular form of Indigenous resurgence reveals about human rights, sovereignty, and the good of all kind. Truly Human contributes to a decolonizing anthropology at a time when all humans need Indigenous land-based teachings more than ever.
Based on two decades of ethnographic field research, Truly Human portrays these peoples' lifeworlds, teachings, political struggles for recognition, and relations with non-human animals. Taking seriously their ontological claims that Gaya offers moral guidance to all humans, Scott E. Simon reflects on what this particular form of Indigenous resurgence reveals about human rights, sovereignty, and the good of all kind. Truly Human contributes to a decolonizing anthropology at a time when all humans need Indigenous land-based teachings more than ever.
More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Toronto
Canada
Target group
College/higher education
Professional and scholarly
Product notice
Paperback (trade)
Illustrations
1 colour map, 2 b&w maps, 14 colour tables, 30 b&w tables
Dimensions
Height: 151 mm
Width: 228 mm
Thickness: 24 mm
Weight
562 gr
ISBN-13
978-1-4875-4586-4 (9781487545864)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Scott E. Simon is a professor in the School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies at the University of Ottawa.
Content
List of Figures
List of Tables
Note on Orthography
Preface
Introduction
1. Introduction to Taiwan and Its Indigenous Peoples
2. Samat (Forest Animals)
3. Mgaya (Headhunting)
4. Utux (Spirit)
5. Lnglungan (Heart)
6. Tminun (Weaving)
7. Conclusion
Epilogue: Indigenous Peoples and Relations with China
Glossary of Foreign Words
References
List of Tables
Note on Orthography
Preface
Introduction
1. Introduction to Taiwan and Its Indigenous Peoples
2. Samat (Forest Animals)
3. Mgaya (Headhunting)
4. Utux (Spirit)
5. Lnglungan (Heart)
6. Tminun (Weaving)
7. Conclusion
Epilogue: Indigenous Peoples and Relations with China
Glossary of Foreign Words
References