'Etolan Style is the entrance where the A'tolan Tribe turns "life" into a journey. Coming here, you can follow the footsteps of the tribespeople and walk into the life of ’Etolan (Dulan). From the mountains to the sea, from stone walls and place names to the intertidal zone, every place here hides the wisdom of the Amis people's long-term coexistence with the land. Perhaps you are curious why a stone wall is remembered? What stories are hidden behind a place name? When you truly walk into the tribe, the answers are not only in the scenery but also in the lives of the people.
The charm of Dulan lies not only in the beautiful coastline and mountain views but also in its deep cultural heritage, sincere human touch, and a warmth that can be felt as soon as you approach. Have you ever seen a hungry sea? Have you ever heard of a tree that cries? The culture here is not a past put on display, but a daily life that is still breathing and continuing at this moment.
'Etolan Style is a profit-making unit created by the Dulan Tribe. We hope to use culture to create a better cycle, so that every time a traveler makes a purchase, it is not just taking away a souvenir, but also becoming a force that supports the tribe. 5% to 10% of the proceeds will be returned to the tribe for cultural continuation, public affairs, and local development, so that the story of Dulan can keep going.
Have you ever wondered why every man and woman always wears a small bag slung over one shoulder during the Amis Harvest Festival?
It is not a simple decoration; it is called a "Lover's Bag," also known as a betel nut bag, and called 'alofo in the Amis language.
The Alofo is not only a symbol of love but has long transcended traditional ceremonial occasions to become a daily accessory carried by tribespeople. It represents identity recognition and respect, and is the most important "token of love" for the Amis people. In the past, betel nuts were placed inside the 'alofo as a way to convey affection.
If young people wanted to express admiration, they would quietly put a betel nut into the other person's bag, which was like saying: "Maolahay kako tisowanan - I love you."
Today, we merge this tradition with modernity, combining the creativity of Gen Z to let the alofo bloom with new charm under neon lights. It is not just a bag, but a flow of emotions: ambiguity, passion, and youthful hormones are all hidden within this small bag.
In addition, the yarn balls and tassels on the side are all handmade by the elders, brothers, sisters, and children of the tribe, passing on blessings to every friend through the warmth of their hands and the spirit of craftsmanship.
The land is a carrier interwoven with layers of ancient memories. For the Amis people, the naming system of traditional territories is not only a representation of knowledge but also a mechanism for social interaction and memory. These names are either continued through oral traditions passed down across generations or are gradually being plundered and lost due to external pressures. However, they are still vividly branded on the earth beneath our feet, telling stories of culture, faith, and spirit. From mountains to seas, from topography to hunting, we follow the place names to find the footsteps and life trajectories of our ancestors, re-capturing those moments when "the original memory of the land is so moving."
The vast majority of traditional Amis place names have never appeared in historical literature but are preserved through the oral narrations of elders. These names originate from the experience of interaction between the people and the land, closely linking historical memory, landscape features, ecological environment, and daily activities. For example, Malataw──the warrior peak symbolizing protection; Kakitiwan──describing the beautiful curves of the mountains; Malala’ay──the scene of monkeys coming down the mountain to find water and food; Apangan──the gunshots often heard in the hunting grounds. These names are not just symbols but a language of symbiosis with the land. Compared to the single-perspective naming in Han society, Amis place names are more full of vitality and sense of space. They carry the history of the people's symbiosis with the land, reminding us: culture can only avoid being plundered and lost if it is continuously passed down.
There is a classic quote circulating in the Dulan Tribe: "Many friends, much drinking; no friends, no drinking." This quote was written by Su Zheng-chao (Karaoke Grandpa) and Grandpa Panai. Behind this quote hides the life attitude of the Amis people—no matter how tired or busy, one must celebrate for oneself.
Physical Channels：
‣ 'Etolan Style Arrival Hall: No. 224, Dulan Village, Donghe Township, Taitung County
‣ Babbuza Dreamfactory: No. 6, Gongyinan 6th Rd., Nantou City, Nantou County
‣ W. G. Cafe: No. 350, Zhejiang Rd., Taitung City, Taitung County
‣ Yuan Cui Shop: 3F Lobby, Wenhu Line, Taipei Zhonghua Fuxing MRT Station
‣ Kimolo: No. 145, Dade Rd., Sanxia Dist., New Taipei City