Taiwan

Guardians of the gods

Two of the guardians of the gods perform a ceremonial battle. Cheng-long, Taiwan

Possessed

A human from another temple is visiting the Cheng-long temple. He is possessed by one of the gods from his temple. This is the way two gods meet and communicate. Those are exploded firecracker papers all over the ground. Cheng-long, Taiwan

Guardians

Two guards of the gods accompany the gods in procession. Cheng-long, Taiwan

Sun Hats

These pineapples are protected from sunlight by yellow plastic hats. Chiayi, County, Taiwan

Oyster Farming

Oysters are farmed along the west coast of Taiwan. Bamboo structures filled with hanging oyster shells are hung from piers and the seeded oyster shell acts as a home for the growing oyster. This an oyster farm in Yunlin County, Taiwan.

Carrying Harvested Oysters

A woman who works at one of the oyster farms hauls bags of oysters up the levee to be carries to sellers. Yunlin County, Taiwan

Taking a Break Between Classes

Students at Hua Yuan University find places to sleep, Chiayi County, Taiwan.

Noodle Shop

A Taiwanese woman is preparing wet noodle dishes for her customers. Taichung, Taiwan.

Sculpture Connected to the Bird Blind

Giorgio Tessadri’s “Element” One Year After Being Installed Cheng long Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan

Sunset in the Wetlands

Giorgio Tessadri’s “Element” One Year After Being Installed Cheng long Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan

What I Want at the Recycle Center

Artists and Volunteers Visit the Recycle Center Near Kohou Township in Search of Items that Would be Suitable for Making Artwork at the 2018 ChengLong Wetlands International Environmental Art Project in Cheng long Village, Kohou Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan.

Wading in the Wetlands

Chenglong Wetlands Cheng long Village, Kohou Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan April 17, 2018

Into the Sunset

Cheng long villager poling a raft into the wetlands. Cheng long Village, Kouhu Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan, April 18, 2018

Face the Wall

A pair of lions were partially completed by a master carver and he was paid a small amount by the future owner. The owner's business failed so the master could not be paid to complete the lions. They were moved to this location when someone bought the property where the business was located. Some child asked one of the villagers if the lions were naughty and being punished by facing the wall. In fact unless in front of a temple, or business, lions are not allowed to face outward. Cheng long Village, Kohou Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan

Shucking Oysters

Three women are removing fresh oysters harvested from nearby oyster farms along the western coastline of Taiwan. Two are wearing the traditional hats of villagers in the area. Cheng long Village, Kohou Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan

Taiwan Ukuleles

A panoramic of ukuleles sitting on tables after the performance by the Cheng long Elementary Students. These ukuleles were purchased at a ukulele factory in near by Shueilin Village. Cheng long, Kohou Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan.

Traditional Taiwanese Wedding Banquet

The banquet was held at the home of the bride’s parents. The tents were erected in the entrance way courtyard of the traditional “U” shaped home. The tables and chairs were rented from one company and the table cloths and chair covers from another. The caterers arrived at 6am to begin preparation for the banquet. I know this because Jane and I are staying in the house and had to leave earlier than usual. The food was extensive and quite good. Traditionally there are 10 to 12 courses with the final being ice cream. Tomorrow photos of the bride and groom.

Traditional Wedding Bride and Groom

The Bride and Groom Saying Goodbye to Those Who Attended the Wedding Banquet. She is Offering Candies for Good Wishes. The Groom Is Also Holding a Bowl With Candy. Traditionally, the Bowl May Have Cigarettes and Betel Nuts.  Chenglong Village, Kohou Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan

Village Life: Getting the Vegetables

A Villager Returns with Vegetables from Her Garden. Chenglong Village, Kohou Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan.

Village Life: Portraits

Children from Chenglong Elementary School look into Tsuneo Sekiguchi’s reflective pool at the small fish swimming in the water. The pool reflects a spectrum of light onto the viewer’s face. For more information on this and the other five environmental artworks go to artproject4wetland.wordpress.com Chenglong Village, Kohou Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan.

Making Brooms

In a small traditional village in Chaiyi County, Taiwan Mrs Hsu is making a traditional broom from palm leaves, a bamboo stick and sugar cane leaves. She told us that when she got married at 19 and moved to this village De Shin Li she had to learn how to make these traditional brooms as did all women living in this village. We had to buy two brooms, one for the ground and the other to clean the ceiling. De Shin Li Village, Puzui Township, Chaiyi County, Taiwan

Village Live: Mazu Festival

Women's group marching in the Mazu parade. Silou, Taiwan April 15, 2018

Village Life: Racing Pigeons

Pigeons returning to their roost after being out for exercise. Pigeon racing is extremely popular in Taiwan. It is also one form of gambling. Here is an article on Taiwan pigeon racing. http://www.silvio-co.com/pigeons/taiwan.htm Cheng long Village, Kohou Township, Yunlin County, Taiwan. May 1, 2018

Lanterns in an Alley

Lanterns hanging in an alley in celebration of the Mazu Festival. Beigang, Yunlin County, Taiwan. May 4, 2018