【Media Coverage】Malivan from Dabaljiu (Daba69) Tribe Publishes Thesis on Indigenous Hunting Rifles: Improving Firearms to Preserve Hunting Culture

Malivan from Dabaljiu Tribe Publishes Thesis on Indigenous Hunting Rifles, Enhancing Firearms Design to Preserve Hunting Traditions

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

The Dabaljiu (Daba69) Tribe in Beinan Township is known as the hometown of renowned singer A-Mei, and it has now produced the first academic thesis focusing on Indigenous hunting rifles. The author, Malivan Kawru, displayed a hunting rifle on the table during his thesis presentation. As it was likely the first time some professors had encountered such a situation, the unexpected scene left the room momentarily silent. After his thesis was approved, his advisors accompanied him back to the tribe for a public presentation. Malivan expressed his hope that the rifle he developed could provide a reference for the National Police Agency in reviewing the proposed Regulations Governing the Licensing and Management of Indigenous and Fishermen’s Self-Made Hunting Rifles and Fishing Guns.

The graduate exhibition and thesis presentation of the Executive Master’s Program in Sociology at National Sun Yat-sen University was recently held in the Dabaljiu Tribe, Beinan Township. Malivan’s thesis, titled “Guns in Contemporary Indigenous Self-Made Images: A Study on the Practice and Modification of Self-Made Hunting Rifles,” not only presented his academic research but also included an on-site demonstration of his newly patented firearm mechanism. His professors enthusiastically encouraged him to “take the rifle north and share your work,” referring to presenting his research in northern Taiwan. Malivan responded that he was more than willing to introduce Indigenous hunting culture to a wider audience.

Malivan previously served as a professional soldier and was a member of a sniper unit during his military career. Beyond his professional experience with firearms, he has also participated in traditional hunting practices. This research project involved not only writing a thesis and publishing his work but also comparing newly designed firearm components with existing self-made hunting rifles. Based on the design principles and appearance of the Winchester Rifle, he developed a modified version specifically adapted for the use of traditional shotgun primers (Shidetin).

Some tribe members jokingly asked whether “the professors had no choice but to let you graduate because of the rifle on the table.” Malivan firmly responded that his research was approved not because of the physical demonstration alone, but because of his rigorous historical investigation and academic analysis. He explained:

“By studying an existing hunting rifle used by Indigenous hunters, developing an improved version, and examining the history of self-made hunting rifles to understand their capabilities and limitations, this research ultimately developed a new lever-operated sliding sleeve extraction system based on social concerns and safety considerations. The goal is to reduce public concerns regarding hunting rifles while continuing and preserving Indigenous hunting culture.”

Malivan explained that conventional hunting rifles typically require a primer containing gunpowder to be inserted from the rear of the barrel. After ignition, the explosion propels the projectile through the barrel, but the metal casing remains inside the firearm after breaking apart. Traditionally, a cleaning rod must be inserted from the muzzle to remove the remaining metal fragments. His newly designed mechanism uses a lever principle, allowing the shooter to pull a sliding sleeve backward to eject the metal casing fragments. The design has successfully obtained a Utility Model Patent Certificate issued by the Intellectual Property Office, Ministry of Economic Affairs, and has also received firearm certification.

News Link:
https://news.ltn.com.tw/news/life/breakingnews/4663101