TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — The Torik Sanayasay, an Amis raft replica, sailed to Green Island and back on Friday (Jun. 21).

The voyage provided valuable insights into Austronesian navigation techniques, per an Ocean Affairs Council press release. However, the Austranesian Community College (ACC) expressed regret the raft was unable to reach its destination solely using sail power, oars, and currents. 

The ACC said they built Torik Sanayasay using the traditional methods of the Amis, one of Taiwan's Indigenous tribes, with guidance from Torik tribe chief Masang (林學明) and elder Ansan (陳宜豐). The pair consulted tribal texts and records to understand historic Amis raft construction techniques. 

The ACC called the bamboo raft a major contribution to maritime history. The ACC believes the Austronesian peoples used similar vessels to traverse the Pacific Ocean.

The ACC noted that Austronesian bamboo rafts are still in use. Modern rafts now use plastic tubes instead of bamboo and use engines for propulsion.

The press release said that the ACC worked with the Amis Kakeng Musical Group (AKMG) to make the raft. The project allowed the ACC and AKMG to reconnect with their ancestral heritage. 

The ACC shared their voyage and findings at the East Coast National Scenic Area Administration on Wednesday (Jun. 26).