Saisiyat Words - Bon 米 and Ki 旗 - Holo Borrowed? (Anthropology Note 32)

UPDATE 10/22/2023 

Etymology - 

(Tang dynasty) yiyi 薏苡 developed into Saisiyat titi.
Development stages - 
Chinese yiyizhu 薏苡珠 (yiyi seen documented in Tang dynasty) - Saisiyat titijun-titibon-titiyon
JUN - in Titijun is the origin of 朱 surname.










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Tinawbon

Ciba 糍粑 Hakka





I have been wondering about some Saisiyat words for about 10 years now, maybe because I kinda 'knew' about it the longest among other indigenous languages. On-off explore at opportunities and at random.

ta'ya was the first I was curious about which I blogged HERE. The post was done just under a year ago - and I would have to say, after 2 Japan trips in the first half of 2023, I have plenty more interesting to say about 'short-people-legends', not going to elaborate here or now, but  I would say there are plenty to update on the topic.

Tinawbon and Tibtibon - 
Both 'Bon' I believe borrowed from Bon meaning Rice 米 (common spell Bun). (SEE UPDATE ABOVE)

米 in this context is Grain, Millet, Barley. *In its native environment it is grown at higher elevation areas where rice and corn do not grow well. Job's tears are also commonly sold as Chinese pearl barley 薏米珠.* 

As for Tina-awbon - a possibility is and maybe some connection with Tina (the elder females who master 'grains' in Bunun culture). Mentioned on HERE. 


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Notes taken after a Hsinchu trip in Feb 2023.

<Taiwanese 'Thau-ki' and Saisiyat 'kilakil'. 1936>
Both dated 1936.
Both called 'hat flag' 頭旗( although regional names do exist ).
Both in Hsinchu area.
Both represent groups.
A Saisiyat man carrying kilakil ( Saisiyat word for hat/shoulder flag) photo taken in 1936.
Taiwanese 'Thau-ki' used in Hsinchu in 1936.
Note Taiwanese also used triangle shape 'Thau-ki' similar to Saisiyat 'kilakil' made in 1930s - which I saw, but didn't take photo.

(Update -  I did ask around after the trip if any Saisiyat linguist could make some sense out of this possible linguistic connection both in 1936 context, or better provide me a kilakil etymology - but nothing came forward so far.
In the instance - I remain skeptical about the linguistic connection between the two 'ki'.)








This post is also HERE - Note 32.

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