Doors to Diplomacy Participants

Tzu Chiang Elementary School (2004 CyberFair Project ID 3389)
Taiwan, Hualien
Official Status: Final Project: Ready for Judging
Teacher:
Category: 1. Local Leaders

We estimate 9 student(s) from 11 to 12 will work on this entry.

Description of Our Community: TonMen(Brass Gate), was called TonMen(Same Gate), which refers to the plain between mountains. In 1918, for ruling the tribes in mountain more easily, the Japanese dominators built the Neng Kao Road and "TonMen" was named after its abundant mines and narrow gap. Because of its prosperous mines and spring water, "knife" was produced. (A kind of knife especially used for hunting) Nevertheless, some people said that the name of "TonMen" was derived from the magnificent skill of knight-making. In the old days, most people lived in "TonMen" were blacksmiths. They took orders from all over the valley. Unfortunately, the traditional industry decreased with aplenty outfluxes of the young generation and the skill of steel which has replaced iron. There are still few black-smiths making "knife" for people in "TonMen" now. Yet the quality of "knife" is among the best in Taiwan, and consumedly favoured by mountain climbers.

Project Description: Men in the aboriginal tribes gird “Knife” which symbolized the social status, the bravery of the headman and heroes. “Knife” especially influences on their ways of life such as hunting, carving out a road and making handicrafts in their leisure time. Therefore multi-functional “Knife” is certainly the product of the aboriginal culture. As we know men are specifically allied with “knife”. Since a male baby is born, His father will give him a “knife” as a gift. After twelve years old, he mustn’t live without “knife” to hunt animals, enemies (for their heads), and chop woods. All the daily problems would be solved easily.

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