Bunun Ear-Shooting Festival

The Bunun Ear-Shooting Festival centers on a striking archery ritual where participants aim at deer ears suspended from poles, a tradition that historically tested hunting skills and reinforced communal bonds. Held annually in April near the central mountains, the ceremony draws approximately 500 attendees and features songs in the Bunun language—recognized as one of humanity's most unique polyphonic vocal traditions. Archers must hit a target just 5 centimeters wide from a distance of 20 meters, unchanged for centuries, making this more physically intense than #4 Amis Harvest Festival's collective song and dance. The precision required and the intimate scale of 500 participants create a focused, demanding experience that stands apart from larger tribal celebrations.