Perception of the Authenticity of Atayal Woven Handicrafts in Wulai, Taiwan

ABSTRACT

Indigenous cultures have become increasingly important tourism attractions and the production and sale of handicrafts have become one way in which indigenous peoples and tourists of different types interact. This is the situation in Wulai Township in Taipei County, Taiwan, where indigenous culture has become one among a variety of tourism attractions. The main objectives of this study are three-fold: (1) to explore the perceived authenticity of Atayal woven handicrafts among tourists who visit Wulai; (2) to examine whether or not significant differences exist among tourists to Wulai in their perceptions of the authenticity of Atayal woven handicrafts; and (3) to compare the differences in such perceptions between those on package tours and self-arranged visitors.

Analyses of a survey of domestic tourists revealed that significant differences in perceptions exist in association with age, education, and place of residence. Package tour visitors responded more positively than self-arranged tourists concerning the authenticity of Atayal woven handicrafts. Means of enhancing the balance between commodification and authenticity of ethnic culture are suggested.

KEYWORDS:

• Indigenous tourism
• authenticity
• weaving
• crafts
• Atayal
• Wulai
• Taiwan

This research was partially funded by the National Science Council, Taiwan, through the grant (NSC#95-2415-H-034-004-SSS) held by the first author.