THE ISSUANCE OF THE TAIWAN INDIGENOUS PEOPLES CULTURAL SERIES COIN SET─TRUKU

The Central Bank of the Republic of China（Taiwan）will issue the 12th coin set of the Taiwan Indigenous Peoples Cultural Series–TRUKU on November 12, 2009. A total of 55,000 sets will be issued. The Bank of Taiwan is appointed as the delegate of the Central Bank of the Republic of China（Taiwan） to deal with the sale of the coin sets. Each set, including a NT$20 proof coin in circulation and a commemorative proof medal, costs NT$250. Each person may purchase only one set of coins at one time.

The Truku used to live in the township of Ren-ai in Nantou County. Due to an increase in population, insufficient farmland, and the need for new hunting grounds, the tribe started migrating eastward over the Central Range to Hualien County around 300 years ago. Gaya, the morality set by utux (the ancestor of spirits), regulates the Truku laws and orders, morals, taboos, ceremonies, and social customs. The rainbow bridge, also the bridge of utux, is Truku's most important spiritual symbol. One of the most distinctive aspects of Truku culture is the practice of facial tattooing.

We are grateful to the Council of Indigenous Peoples, Executive Yuan, for examining the symbols and literature used in the preparation for the issuance of this coin set.