TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A music and dance group of Tao Indigenous peoples performed in Austria and Lithuania from May 24 to June 1, marking their second European tour.

The Tao primarily reside on Orchid Island off the main island’s eastern coast. According to a Ministry of Culture (MOC) press release on Tuesday (June 11), the tour consisted of the dance group “Voice of Ocean” and the “Wild Thing” band.

“Voice of the Ocean” comprised two male elders and eight female dancers, per CNA. The oldest member, Yen Tu-chun (顏督軍) from the Yayo tribe, captivated the audience with his solo ceremonial chant, per CNA. The Tao women, adorned with shell necklaces, performed “Hair Dance” and “Hat Dance,” demonstrating their physical prowess.

“Wil Thing” featured younger people from Orchid Island. Each event during the tour included presentations depicting farming and anti-nuclear waste protests on Orchard Island, giving the audience a glimpse into the lives of the island’s ancestors.

Taiwan Representative to Austria Chang Hsiao-yueh (張小月) attended the group’s performance on May 24. The representative said it was an honor to welcome the group from Orchid Island and noted the strong ties between Taiwan and Austria.

Taipei Representative Office in Germany said the group’s performances incorporated historical material from Academia Sinica and the Musee de l'Homme in Paris.

“These efforts highlight the achievements in oral collections of Taiwan’s Indigenous peoples and further integrate contemporary art and creative works, preserving Taiwan's indigenous culture,” it added.