Publishing a Thesis on Indigenous Hunting Rifles and Obtaining a Patent for Firearm Improvements — Malivan Kawru: Pursuing Safer and More Convenient Hunting Practices

Liberty Times Net | Reporter: Liu Jen-Wei / Taitung Report

Malivan Kawru, a Paiwanese Indigenous man from the Dabaljiu Tribe in Beinan Township, recently published a research thesis on Indigenous hunting rifles and independently developed an improved firearm mechanism — the “lever-operated sliding sleeve extraction system” — which has obtained a patent. However, he expressed concern that the draft Regulations Governing the Licensing and Management of Indigenous and Fishermen’s Self-Made Hunting Rifles and Fishing Guns proposed by the National Police Agency, Ministry of the Interior, restricts Indigenous people from making their own firearms. He believes this policy may hinder an existing hunting and firearm-making culture, and hopes that his research and invention can contribute positively to cultural preservation.

Malivan demonstrated his newly developed firearm, which resembles the Winchester Rifle used by Tom Cruise’s character in the film The Last Samurai as well as firearms commonly seen in Western movies. Malivan explained, “It is essentially the same type of firearm, but the difference is that my invention is designed for the use of traditional primers (Shidetin).” Historical photographs from the 1940s show Atayal elders carrying similar rifles, which were originally invented in the late 19th century. Malivan noted that today’s Indigenous hunting firearms have not advanced beyond those used decades ago, and he redesigned the mechanism after considering current requirements, including the use of primers and restrictions against standard factory-made firearms.

Because the quality of self-made firearms among Indigenous communities varies, and many lack precise safety mechanisms, accidental discharges have occurred repeatedly. According to Judicial Yuan Interpretation No. 803, the Constitution protects people’s rights to life and physical integrity, as well as Indigenous peoples’ cultural rights to engage in hunting activities. The existing Regulations Governing the Approval and Management of Firearms, Ammunition, and Knives were found to have insufficient provisions regarding “self-made hunting rifles” and were required to be amended within two years.

In response, the National Police Agency announced a draft of the Regulations Governing the Licensing and Management of Indigenous and Fishermen’s Self-Made Hunting Rifles and Fishing Guns in January 2023. The draft specifies that components used in self-made hunting rifles must be major firearm components approved by the Ministry of the Interior and imported from overseas firearm manufacturers. This differs significantly from the current practices of Indigenous communities, where people independently produce, manufacture, and repair hunting rifles.

However, Malivan argues, “The issue is controlling unsafe firearms. If firearms can be made safer, the problem can be solved.” He explained that even if his redesigned firearm is dropped or submerged in water, its locking mechanism and safety features will not accidentally disengage. In his view, the new draft regulations could undermine the continuation of Indigenous firearm-making traditions. He believes that the policy represents a case of “discarding the meal because of choking on a single bite,” and that misguided regulations may once again distort the core values of Indigenous hunting culture.

For this reason, Malivan developed the lever-operated sliding sleeve extraction system, hoping that Indigenous communities can continue passing down hunting traditions in a safer and more convenient way.

News Link:
https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/life/breakingnews/4663129