Abstract

“Xiao su (酵素)” is produced as a natural fertilizer and fungicide by the Atayal farmers, and has become an important material for carrying out organic and natural farming in the Atayal tribal area. In addition to being used as a natural fertilizer and fungicide, “Xiao su” is also commonly used as medicine in the treatment of disease and disease management. The Atayal have begun to use “Xiao su” as a sauce in the context of food preparation recently. To ensure the availability of “Xiao su”, Atayal farmers employ indigenous ecological knowledge, the techniques of Korean natural farming, and the ideology of Christianity. The purpose of this paper is to explore the history and utilization of “Xiao su” as well as its cultural meanings in present-day Atayal society. Attention is given to how the utilization of “Xiao su” relive the social sufferings of the Atayal, and contribute to the development of tourism.