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In traditional Taiwanese beliefs, statues serve as a connection between people and the gods. Most people pay attention to the architecture and decorations when visiting temples, but they often miss the true center of worship—the statues. This could be because modern temples have so many statues, or because the statues are located at a distance, making it difficult for people to look up the details. This paper specifically focuses on the movable limbs statues, a less-studied aspect, using statue Mazu with movable joints at Wanchun Temple in Taichung as an example, to investigate the reasons and methods behind this type of statue-making. The aim is to provide reference material for future statue restoration or manufacturing. Through an examination of statue Mazu with movable joints at Wanchun Temple (located at No. 212, Chenggong Road, Central District, Taichung City, Taiwan), this study reveals the principles, technical details, different methods for crafting the joints and structures of these movable limbs statues, providing a foundation for further investigation. Furthermore, this study delves deeply into the significance and function of movable limbs statues, particularly their role in rituals and interaction with worshippers. It also provides practical advice for statue manufacturing, such as tips on material selection, tool usage, and techniques, focused on enhancing the quality of statue presentation. Additionally, the study proposes appropriate preservation techniques for movable limbs statues, including creating suitable display environments, regulating temperature and humidity, conducting routine inspections, and implementing repairs as necessary to ensure their long-term preservation without damage. The study broadens understanding of statue-making diversity, and further promotes the protection and inheritance of this traditional art form. This paper fills the gap in academic studies on movable limbs statues, uncovering their artistic and cultural value while providing practical reference methods for future statue-making and restoration.
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