Wu joined the Institute “in Preparation” in 1958 as an
Assistant Technician,
became an apprentice for the founding Director, Professor
Ling Shun-sheng, and
a “Jack of all Trades” to serve a handful of researchers,
especially Mr. Jen Shien-min.
He tells the story of going to the
“mountain” field with Professor Ling and others
in the Paiwan Regions of South Taiwan and Vataan Amish
settlements.
From Jiaping
(Kabiyangan) he assisted in shipping “national treasures”
of Paiwan ancient artifacts to Nankang.
One of his main points of discussion will be Professor
Ling’s vision and imagination
about Formosan aboriginal culture.
Wu participated in exploration trips to Nan-ao,
Shoulin, Tarogo Gorge (before the Northern Cross Taiwan
Highway), Hualian, Taitung,
Pingtung, Hsinchu, and Taoyuan.
These visits not
only increased collection of
aboriginal artifacts for the Institute, they also
contributed to later decisions on
major field-sites for Institute group projects.
