ABSTRACT
This chapter presents a diachronic study of memory of the Mudanshe Incident (1871–1874), the origin of modern Japanese colonialism. It illustrates the difficulties of indigenous peoples in a society decolonised by a foreign power that experienced multi-layered colonialism. Japanese forces and authorities erected monuments related to the Mudanshe Incident. Although commemorations have been held, indigenous Paiwan people have been excluded, and scathing language used by Japanese forces and authorities in monument inscriptions has remained. In recent decades, Mudan Paiwan have researched and reinterpreted the incident, creating a new realm of memory to express their historical recognition and dispel the colonial regime’s stereotypical depiction of their people as ‘barbaric murderers’. This case demonstrates that many monuments and institutions derived from Japanese colonialism are still seen by indigenous people as maintaining their colonial meaning and, therefore, as challenges to overcome. Moreover, the indigenous peoples of Taiwan have been compelled to incorporate methods of Chinese literature in the representation of their collective memory for their claims to be recognised.
