Taiwan Docs

“May I have your name?” This looks like a simple sentence, but turns out to be an unspeakable answer by aborigines. In our aboriginal name system, we usually don’t have a family name but a given name. Each name is protected by the ancestors, represents our origin and inherits our family blood…“If I change my name, people would know I am an aborigine.” “I am having this Chinese name for decades. If I use my aboriginal name, my friends would feel confused.” “It’s such a trouble to change name that all the papers have to be altered…”Your name is not only an identification, but represents the mark of your being. May I ask which name you want your tombstone to be inscribed with: your Chinese name or your aboriginal name which embodies the meaning of your life?

Source: National Taiwan Museum of Fine Arts