Lileh Choir of Bunun Cultural Association

 

Footprints in the sand surely show where you have been. The harmonious singing of Bunun People derived from the cultural traditions of the population. Everything in traditional tribal life is intimately related to choral music, such as hunting, agriculture, rituals, and daily routines. Thus Bunun People is sometimes coined as “choral people”. The “eight-part harmony” is internationally renowned. In the beginning, tribal elders assembled as a performance group. To preserve this culture heritage, the Association of Bunun Culture in Sinyi, Nantou was officially established, so was the Voice of Lileh, a traditional choir of Bunun People. The performers consist mostly of Bunun People from Mingteh community in Sinyi. The highlight of the performance does not rely on glamorous dance or pompous music. Instead, it is the most authentic voice from the mountains and should be experienced with the utmost solemnity.

 

Lileh is the old tribal name in what is currently known as the Bunun People in Mingteh Village in Sinyi, Nantou. The word means “miscanthus”, a plant spreading throughout the mountains around the tribe in early years. Local residents use Lileh widely in daily life. We apply this namesake to embody our vitality. It further represents the importance of choral music in Bunun life.