Aruwai Kaumakan was born in Tavalan Community, Sandimen Township, Pingtung County, Taiwan. She is from a Paiwan chiefly family and has been exposed to traditional costumes and jewelry and learned weaving skills early from her childhood. When she was young, she worked in a jewelry store by serendipity and started to learn about craftsmanship and modern jewelry. Aruwai's artworks are weaving, craft design, accessory, and jewelry design. In recent years she has turned to soft sculpture and installation art. Her artworks contain women's self-narrative that women are independent individuals, and they are also essential in their social networks. Her artworks focus on women's lives and consciousness. Aruwai's early works convey a sense of gorgeousness and dignity. However, after Typhoon Morakot in 2009, the people of her hometown were forced to leave. Aruwai's arts shift to care for local people in the hope of pulling them together and healing them and empower them to move forward finally.