Exhibit Opening

Contested Frames: Taiwan's Indigenous Peoples Confronting The Colonial Gaze

About

This fall, the Temple Anthropology Laboratory and Museum is excited to introduce a new exhibit created in collaboration with the Taiwan National Museum of Prehistory, Contested Frames: Taiwan’s Indigenous Peoples Confronting the Colonial Gaze. This exhibit explores the histories and lives of Taiwan’s Indigenous Peoples and the everyday strategies and objects through which they are reclaiming their identities and futures. Through photographs, postcards, maps, artwork, and video animation, this exhibit considers how Indigenous communities in Taiwan have challenged the colonial portrayals and structures that sustain their oppression.

The exhibit will remain in the TALM until April 30, after which it will travel to the National Museum of Prehistory in Taiwan.

Visit the Taiwan National Museum of Prehistory

Opening Celebration

Please join us for a reception to celebrate the opening of Contested Frames.

Wednesday, October 15

4:00 pm

Temple Anthropology Laboratory & Museum

Gladfelter Hall, Lobby

Meet the Team

The exhibit is the product of a collaboration between museum curators and Indigenous community partners. The Taiwan National Museum of Prehistory curatorial team of Dr. Fang Chun-wei, Daong Cinceng (Sakizaya), Yaway Suyang (Atayal), and Katu Takishusungan (Bunun), and Temple anthropology professor Chris Upton, worked closely with Indigenous consultants, particularly Walis Labai (Seediq), Yuma Taru (Atayal), Bakan Walis (Seediq), and Taka Tana (Atayal), to give voice to Indigenous perspectives and accounts.

Dr. Fang Chun-Wei (方鈞瑋)

Taiwan National Museum of Prehistory, Division of Exhibition & Education

For more than 20 years, Dr. Fang has conducted research with Indigenous communities in Taiwan, Indonesia, and Fiji. Since 2017, he has been deeply involved in Indigenous museum development and training initiatives in Taiwan. As Director of the Division of Exhibition & Education, he has curated a wide range of exhibits, including First Wave: Contemporary Australian and Taiwanese Indigenous Fashion Exhibition (2022) and Austronesian Hall - Long-Term Exhibition (2023).

Dr. Christopher Upton

Temple University, Department of Anthropology

For over 10 years, Dr. Upton has conducted ethnographic research with Indigenous communities in Taiwan, examining Indigenous resurgence, human rights, and legal reform. Now, as Co-Director of the Temple Anthropology Laboratory & Museum (TALM), he develops educational programs and research opportunities for Temple faculty and students while fostering collaborations between the TALM and museum partners worldwide.

Exhibit Sponsors