Taiwan Master Carver Wins National Craft Award for 40-Year Legacy

Haku, a woodcarver of the Puyuma ethnic group in Taitung County, has combined over four decades of creative experience with tribal traditions and personal innovation to produce woodcarvings that are both aesthetically pleasing and culturally significant. These works are not merely artworks but living vessels of Puyuma history and belief. In his creative process, Haku frequently references totems and stories passed down within the tribe, reinterpreting them through woodcarving so that each piece is imbued with deep tribal memory and emotion.

Beyond individual creation, Haku is dedicated to the transmission of skills and the preservation of tribal culture. To enable the younger generation to continue the woodcarving craft, he established a workshop within the tribe, regularly inviting apprentices to participate in hands-on practice and theoretical lectures. He has also collaborated with local schools to integrate woodcarving into their curricula. This intergenerational teaching model has not only enhanced the skill level within the tribe but also allowed Puyuma woodcarving art to continue thriving in modern society. Haku’s efforts are regarded as a key driver of tribal cultural revitalization, holding significant importance for maintaining ethnic identity and cultural diversity.

Haku’s works have also garnered international attention, having been exhibited multiple times at major art festivals and museums across Asia, showcasing the unique rhythm and charm of Puyuma woodcarving. In terms of material selection, he prefers indigenous tree species and employs traditional drying and carving techniques to preserve the wood’s original texture and color, presenting a harmonious coexistence of nature and humanity. This respect for materials and techniques has earned his works high regard in the art market and enhanced the international image of Taiwan’s indigenous art.

In 2026, Haku was awarded the National Craft Achievement Award for his outstanding contributions to woodcarving art and cultural heritage. This award not only recognizes his personal artistic achievements but also highlights the important position of indigenous crafts in Taiwan’s cultural ecosystem. Following the award, Haku stated that he will continue to promote the education and innovation of woodcarving and plans to open more cross-cultural workshops to help more people understand Puyuma history and aesthetics.

Haku’s story reminds us that cultural art is not only the result of individual creation but also the continuation of community memory and identity. Through the traditional medium of woodcarving, the language, beliefs, and lifestyle of the Puyuma people are being re-read and reinterpreted in modern society. As the state places greater emphasis on indigenous culture, artists like Haku will serve as a bridge connecting the past and the future, making Taiwan’s multicultural tapestry more complete and vibrant. (Source: CNA)