Attempt to Cross Kuroshio Current in Raft Underway Soon|重造史前竹筏 6/9從台東划向宜蘭外海

Last year, the National Museum of Prehistory and Japan's National Museum of Nature and Science teamed up to construct a traditional Amis raft to cross the Kuroshio Current and test the feasibility of prehistoric migration by sea. The first raft that was constructed was too heavy, and the second was completed on June 1. If this second voyage is successful, the vessel will sail to Okinawa next year.


This bamboo raft, the Ira No. 2, was completed on June 1 at a boatyard in Taitung. Last year, the National Museum of Prehistory and Japan's National Museum of Nature and Science teamed up to test the feasibility of prehistoric migration by sea. They invited Amis shipbuilder Lawai to construct a traditional Amis bamboo raft, the Ira No. 1. The museums wanted to prove the hypothesis of migratory journeys from Taiwan to Okinawa via the Kuroshio Current carried out by prehistoric seafarers some 30,000 years ago. The first raft successfully made it to Green Island, but its body was too heavy, forcing it to move very slowly. This year, Lawai was commissioned to build another raft. The new raft is lighter than its predecessor. Its body consists of only seven logs, and the length has been reduced. Five short and small prehistoric persons can fit on the raft.

The length is shorter this time. Last year, the length was 11 meters. This year, it is 8.5 meters.

Speed is important when crossing the Kuroshio Current.

This is our priority for this year.

On June 9, five rowers from Taiwan, Japan and New Zealand will board the raft and set off from Taitung. They will row to the waters off of Yilan and conduct experiments. If all proceeds smoothly, then the voyage to Okinawa will take place next year. However, this project is short NT$10 million in funding, and the two museums will have to raise money to see it through.