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Extravagant costumes are the most attractive items about this tribe of indigenous people. There exists a strict social hierarchy: Mamazangilan (the Chieftain), the Noble, the Warrior, and the Commoner.
The hierarchy not only oversees properties and marriages, but also grants certain parameters in child naming; from a Paiwan tribe person’s name, one can detect immediately his/her class level within that particular clan. Some names are designated specially by the Chieftain. The Chieftains and the Nobles possess prerogatives on ornamenting their costumes; such as: Snake-pattern hawk feathers, exquisite glazed beads, and unique graphic designs (human crane and hundred-step snake, etc.).
Thus far, usage restriction of Chieftain’s costume patterns has been lifted for popularity purpose; still no audacity yet to popularize Chieftain’s headdress is witnessed among most clans. The hierarchy system is passed on in heritage through generations. The Paiwan tribe-people practice gender equality, all properties and rights of each clan family shall be inherited by the eldest child (boy or girl); in some clans, there are women Chieftains as well. The rest of the siblings shall leave home-base after marriage; they shall erect their own houses and names.
1. Hereditary hierarchy system:
The moment that a Paiwan infant is born, his/her “place” within the tribe is hence determined; though initial clan status can be elevated via proficiency in: Warfare, hunting, sculpturing, and even through matrimonial arrangement (for the children’s sake).
2. A gender equality social structure, all inheritances shall go to the eldest child.
3. Worshipping ancestral spirits:
Such unconditional respect toward ancestors is clearly displayed by large imaging sculptures placed inside of each house.
4. Lavish costumes:
Best possible description for Paiwan costumes is “each tribe-woman’s artistic self-expression, vying for prominence and distinction”.
5. A cluster of invigorated individuals for artistic creations:
The Paiwan clan demonstrates its appreciation for beauty and artistry potential, in every aspect of their daily life; the need and passion for artistic expression come from deep inside their souls. This marks the most obvious differentiation, when compared to other indigenous tribes in Taiwan.
6. Integrating characteristics of cultures other than theirs:
Having the adaptability of absorbing many exogenous cultures; through merging and synthesizing, transforming them into its own cultural boundaries; such is the exact cause for the long lasting Paiwan history.
1. Social system in general
The Paiwan Tribe, just as the Rukai Tribe, lives under social norms of nobility and class. Hence birth, each tribe-person is automatically categorized with difference in identity and status; bloodline and kinship are the basis for such system.
Social tier in three classes:
（1） The Nobel Class: These Paiwan tribesmen possess prerogatives and privileges.
（2） The Distinguished Class: Having various definitions among different clans; these Paiwan tribesmen (i.e.: warriors and high priests) enjoy tax exemptions, as well as certain designated tattoos and appellations.
（3） The Commoner Class: Lowest level of all tribesmen, performing hard labor duties in exchange for daily living necessities.
2. Property Inheritance
The first child is much revered for the Paiwan people, regardless of boy or girl. The “first-born” (primogeniture) shall inherit all possessions of his/her parents. The actual inheritance procession is performed after the 1st born comes of age and gets married; it is not surprising that tribe-people seek matrimony with other families’ 1st born, otherwise, it could be a long time thereafter the wedding to be able to own a brand new hut.
3. Matrimony
Marriage system for the Paiwan people is “class alliance”. Often, wedding is a pre-requisite in elevating one’s status within the clan. Main instigative force behind social currents is inter-class weddings. Such cross-class matrimonial alliances are categorized as: Equal-class wedding; upscale-class wedding; or downscale-class wedding.
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