[ 摘要 ]
達悟族的傳統社會、文化、語言、價值體系，為台灣文化中寶貴的資產之一。本論文研究目的：追溯達悟族之起源與文化背景，舞蹈之演變與傳承，頭髮舞之動作型態風格。本研究以文獻分析、田野調查、深入訪談，三角交叉驗證法研究檢驗，加以分析、整理、歸納與詮釋，結論如下：
一、達悟族的起源發展為神造人、石生、竹生等創世神話，文獻記載充分地呈現出祖先的智慧與文化的多樣性；達悟族居住在純樸的蘭嶼島上，因地理隔絕，與漢人接觸較晚，在生活習俗與文化上，現在仍然保留比較原始的風貌。由於四周環海，族人以捕魚為生，亦發展成獨特的海洋文化。
二、達悟族頭髮舞演變與生活祭典息息相關，他們崇尚自然、崇拜圖騰、敬畏神靈頭髮舞發展為摹擬海浪律動、巫術祭典舉行、娛樂觀光表演；傳承保存為最重要的一環，盼政府、學校單位能積極協助舉辦慶典及規劃課程等，讓達悟族文化永續傳承下去。
三、達悟族頭髮舞受到全球化衝擊，造成傳統形式流失，現今之風格型態為將其原始風貌舞蹈之基本手姿、步伐等動作加以變化創作；達悟族婦女們跳頭髮舞時穿著傳統服飾、唱著古老歌謠，手牽手圍著圓圈，盡情地甩動頭髮，展現了達悟族的團結精神，這為台灣原住民族群中最具獨特的舞蹈，我們必須尊重與重視達悟族文化，將其推廣至國際世界各個角落。
[ 英文摘要 ]
The main body of Tao tribe, including its traditional social structure, culture, language and values, is a national treasure of Taiwanese culture. The purpose of this study is to trace the origin of the Tao tribe and its rising, analyzing the transformation and transition of its dance, and the analysis of the style and the moments of Miwalathini (the hair dance). The following methodologies are selected or adapted: document analysis, field research, interviews and triangulation. After a chronicle of studies, we could find that:
1.The rising of Tao Tribe was originated from its genesis mythologies such as “god creates men”, “born from a rock” and “born from a bamboo.” According to the archives, we leaned about the intelligence of the Tao’s ancestors and the diversity of its culture. Because of its geographical isolation on the island of La-Yu, the Tao Tribe got in contact with the Hans at a later time. Until now, they are still able to maintain their traditional lifestyle and keep their customs. Surrounded by the ocean, the Tao people make their living by finishing and there developed a peculiar oceanic culture.
2.The relationship between the forming of Miwalathini (the hair dance) and the Tao rituals are tightly connected. The Tao people adore the natures, worship totems and respect the spirit. Developed from imitating the movements of the waves, Miwalathini is practiced at rituals, ceremonies as well as for the entertainment for the tourists. However, the preservation of such important tradition should be take high emphasis by local government and the education departments for helping to host festivals and organize courses in order to preserve this peculiar tradition.
3.Influenced by modern choreography and globalization, Miwalathini dance has altered its original choreography. The new style and choreography are developed from the original hand and foot movements. While swinging their long, beautiful hair, wearing the traditional costume, the Tao women sing with their hands holding each other in a circle. This has truly conveyed the spirit of solidarity and is considered the most characteristic dance amongst all the aboriginal Taiwanese tribes. Therefore, we must place high concern and respect for the Tao culture and make it shine in the international culture heritage.