儀式、展演與文化：以琉球群島八重山竹富島種取祭為例的研究

This paper combines archival and ethnographic material to explore how the islanders in Okinawa practice their traditional culture to maintain their unique existence and identity under the modern nation-state. The author discusses the notion of 'cultural performance' the formation of a core tradition and its contribution to the 'consciousness of a common culture,' in order to analyze the ritual and performance of Tanadui, the most important annual ritual in Taketomi Island in the Ya'eyama region. The tradition of performing arts, including songs , music, dance and drama, as the devotion in ritual Tanadui in Taketomi originated from the indigenous belief in utaki (sacred groves) widely seen in the Ryukyu islands The ritual has developed into a cultural complex embracing religion , history and art, all of which were influenced by the regime of the Ryukyu Kingdom. In the ritualistic performances, the music, sound, vernacular, movement and other symbolized vehicles and signs of feeling all give concrete contents and forms to the Taktomian culture via the annual practices. The devotional performing arts hence have become a recognizable regional tradition. Generations of different origins view, participate, perform, teach and then step off the stage, thereby vitalizing the rich tradition with their efforts. This collective autographic performance thus allows the multi-layered culture and history of Ryukyu to be presented to themselves and the onlookers. Through this case study, the author will also illustrate the exchange-orientation of island culture, especially in relation to the mainland culture. Existential differences between the two inspire imagination, anticipation, interpretation and in turn self-awareness, all of which has been reflected in the cultural production of the islanders. While they draw their borders in the seemingly endless ocean, they also clearly perceive and welcome the power and influences of the greater land. Through the mediation of history, cultural factors of different origins interact with each other and are used by the Ryukyuan islanders. This uniquely integrated island cultural chain has been formed by the combined forces of dynamic temporal stratification and spatial diffusion between the mainland and the island.