According to scholars, the Ami sub-tribes can be identified in accordance with the following geographical distributions: the Nanshih Ami, the Coastal Ami, the Xiuguluan Ami, the Beinan Ami, and the Hengchun Ami. However, the Ami prefer to categorize themselves according to culture, blood ties, and community migrations, resulting in the following sub-groups:
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The Tada Pangcah：The Tada Pangcah were the earliest Ami residents of the East Rift Valley. They are tall in stature, and perform outstandingly in physical activities. |
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The Lidaw：This name comes from the name "Palidaw", which is their own name for themselves. According to legend, they are |
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directly descended from the earliest settlers in Taiwan. They live in Dongchang Village in Jian Township, and are skilled at sailing, boat making, and fishing. The “Palonan Boat Ceremony" is unique to the Lidow. |
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The Cikasowan：According to legend, the Cikasowan originally came from the western plains and the Hsinchu area, later migrating to Jian Township (formerly named Cikasowan) in Hualien County. By nature, they are brave, skillful fighters, and the heroic deeds of the Cikasowan Incident that took place during the Japanese occupation are still glorified to this day. |
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The Sakizaya： Along with the Tayouan tribe of Tainan, the Sakizaya have their origins in the Siraya tribe, and have preserved their own language to this day. They reside in Hualien City, Shoufeng Township, Jian Township, Fengbin Township, and Ruisui Township. |
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The Kafalan： The Kafalan originally lived in the Lanyang Plains. Over 200 years ago, when Chinese immigrant Wu Sha opened up the Lanyang Plains for cultivation, the Kafalan migrated to Xincheng Township and Fengbin Township in Hualien County. While the Kafalan have been more influenced by the Han Chinese culture than any other Ami sub-group, their language and folk songs still survive. |
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A positive emphasis on water：
The Ami came to Taiwan via the sea, and chose to live close to bodies of water. Water is the source of life: Their shamans use water to heal sickness, a bride carries water to express love, water is sprinkled on a grave to recall the ancestors, etc. All of these activities reveal the deep feeling the Ami have for water. The Ami are naturally disposed to optimism, brought about by the long-term conditioning of the large seas and waters. Their rich songs and dance-steps frequently represent various kinds of waves.
Respect for women：
The Ami respect their women, and the name they give their mothers, "Cidar", means "sun". Their traditional red costumes, topknots, garlands, the round shells hanging from their shoulders, and their sash of bells, all symbolize the sun (mother). The words "mother" or "mom" frequently appear in their songs.
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Respect for the elderly and strict observation of etiquette：
There is strict observation of age-hierarchy organization which is used to determine a person's social status and authority. In an Ami settlement, older people from a higher social class have absolute authority. The elderly have the right of veto during meetings. Etiquette training plays a vital role in implementing rules and ethics concerning age-hierarchy. |
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According to the shamans, the core of their religious beliefs is "kawas" (spirits). The main kawas of the universe is the creator god Maladaw who lives in the west. He controls the land and the forest, animals and plants, wars, and age-hierarchy organization. The goddess Dogi lives in the north, and is responsible for a person’s life-span, childbirth, gender, marriage, health, and tribal affiliation. The sea god Kafit, who governs the east, is in charge of the sea, weather, navigation, fishing, earthquakes and typhoons. The ancestral spirits live in the south, and protect their clans and family members. |
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The Harvest Festival takes place every July and August. For the Ami, this is one of the most important of their annual celebrations. They celebrate the protection and provision of the ancestral spirits during the past year, and offer thanksgiving. They also request the ancestral spirits to continue protecting the clan members in the New Year, and to provide them with good fortune. |
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