1896至1902年，八掌溪上游溫水溪山區發生了為時數年的「土匪」討伐事件，相關過程僅散見於各式文獻與民間口述，值得進一步梳理。這群「土匪」移動在山區的武裝集團，組成複雜，行為模式也頗具爭議。日本官方文獻通盤以「匪」稱之，而在中華民國政府時期所建構的抗日敘事中，經常將其詮釋為義士、中華民族英雄等。後續臺灣本土化的詮釋裡，則將其解釋為臺灣民族烈士。而在近年來在地耆老的口訪文獻中，又再度將其定位在滋事份子、奸徒之輩，使得其擺盪在草寇與義士的身份之間，彷彿一個人有兩張臉。因此，本文除了初步釐清溫水溪「土匪」事件以外，也就上述多重身份與詮釋觀點、嘉義溫水溪山區的「土匪」記憶，以及相關的文化地景之議題進行探討。

From 1896 to 1902, a period often referred to as the "banditry years," unfolded in the mountainous Wenshui River area, which is at the upper stream of Baxhang River. These groups, diverse in composition, exhibited varied behaviors. While Japanese official records generalized them as "bandits," the Nationalist Government portrayed them as heroes and volunteers of the Chinese nation. In later Taiwanese narratives, they were revered as national martyrs. However, recent oral histories from local elders present them alternatively as disruptors or traitors, blurring the lines between heroism and banditry. It appears as the individuals have dual countenances. Hence, apart from the elucidation of the Wenshui River "bandits," this study focuses on the various identities and viewpoints, and the enduring memories and cultural imprints of the "bandits" in the mountainous regions of the Wenshui River, Chiayi.

黃國鎮;土匪;多重詮釋;口述史;文化地景

Huang Kuo-chen; bandits; multiple interpretations; oral history; cultural landscape