從一幅古畫，看見台灣人的自信與底蘊

 

🦌 從一幅古畫，看見台灣人的自信與底蘊 🌏

這幅畫名為《Een Formosan》（一個台灣人），出自17世紀德國士兵卡斯帕・司馬卡登（Caspar Schmalkalden）之手。他當時受雇於荷蘭東印度公司，這幅畫描繪的是台灣原住民族——西拉雅族男子奔馳狩獵的身影。手腕戴著鈴鐺、赤腳奔跑，與族人一同追逐鹿群，身姿矯健、精神昂揚。

根據當時荷蘭人的紀錄，他們驚訝地發現：住在台南一帶的西拉雅人比他們還高大。原來，西拉雅人當時鹿肉充足、營養良好，長得特別壯碩挺拔。

你知道嗎？

• 1850 年代荷蘭男性平均身高約 165 公分

• 2020 年代荷蘭男性平均身高已達 183.8 公分
  這代表在短短 170 年內，他們「長高了將近 19 公分」，被稱為人類歷史上長得最快的一群人。而在更早的400年前，當時的荷蘭人應該更為矮小。

✨ 這段歷史讓我深深感受到：
台灣這片土地，從來不是邊陲之地。
我們的島嶼，孕育出強健的體魄、智慧的文化、深厚的韌性。
我們是「天選之島」，不是誇口，而是歷史留下的證明。

面對全球的挑戰與變局，讓我們一起回到土地與歷史，找回信心。從這片我們所愛的島嶼出發，走向世界，昂首前行。

🦌 A Glimpse from the Past — and a Message for Taiwan’s Future 🌏

This 17th-century sketch, titled “Een Formosan” (“A Formosan”), was drawn by Caspar Schmalkalden, a German soldier working for the Dutch East India Company. It is one of the earliest known depictions of Taiwan’s Indigenous Siraya people. The image shows a Siraya man—barefoot, swift, and proud—hunting deer with his companions. Bells adorn his wrist, and he moves with purpose across the land.

Historical records note that Dutch settlers in southern Taiwan were struck by the height and vitality of the Siraya people. Their impressive physical stature, even taller than the Dutch of the time, was attributed to an abundant diet rich in venison. To put this in context:

• In the 1850s, the average Dutch male stood at 165 cm.

• By the 2020s, the Dutch average reached 183.8 cm, earning them the title of the tallest people in modern history.

• Yet four centuries ago, the Dutch were even shorter—and they looked up, quite literally, to the people of Formosa.

🔍 What does this tell us?

It reminds us that Taiwan has always been a place of strength, vitality, and abundance. This island—rich in natural resources, human spirit, and cultural heritage—has long been a cradle of resilience. And today, as we face global challenges ranging from climate change to geopolitical uncertainty, this legacy matters more than ever.

💬 To everyone living in Taiwan today:
We are not a footnote in history.
We are a chosen island—geographically, culturally, and strategically.
Let’s meet the world with confidence, rooted in who we are and where we come from.