Amis

The area of Amis distribution stretches along plains around Mt. Chi-lai in North Hualien, the long and narrow seacoast plains and the hilly lands in Taitung, Pintung and Hengtsuen Peninsula. At present, the population is about 158,000.

The traditional social organization is based mainly on the matrilineal clans. After getting married, the male must move into the female's residence. Family affairs including finance of the family are decided by the female householder. The affairs of marriage or the allocation of wealth should be decided in a meeting hosted by the uncles of the female householder. The public affairs about tribal politics, laws, wars, and religions are dealt with by an institution consisting of males of age grades. The most important traditional ceremony is the Harvest Festival to celebrate the males entering the new age of manhood.