Woodcarving is one of Taiwan's leading folk arts, and Sanyi Village in Miaoli County is the center of production. Most of the people of mountain-girtSanyi are dependent on wood, hammer and chisel in one way or another. Seventy per cen~ of them are the hard-working Hakka people who cling to their own dialect and customs despite their sojourn in the lands of others for many centuries. The main street of Sanyi is lined with woodcarving shops. The largest of these does an export business of US$2.5 million annually. The United States, Canada, Japan and European countries are the main buyers. Bargains are assured tourists who visit the woodworking villages of west central Taiwan.
(File photo)
Camphor trees are the main source of wood for these carvings, although cypress, juniper and sandalwood are also used. At one time, Taíwan was the world's biggest source of camphor and Miaoli County had camphor forests. Most of the trees are gone now. Camphor wood comes from remote forests of the Central Mountains. It ís pest resistant and has gnarled branches and roots that lend interest to carvings. Subjects differ with the expected market. Animals are popular at home. The Japanese are partíal to Buddhas. Americans and Europeans prefer fígures of emperors, empresses, old men and Confucius. Figures of the gentle Goddess of Mercy are a favorite of nearly everyone. Prices of carv· ings start at around US$2 to $3 and 90 up to $5,000 and even more. Some of the big pieces may be 9 or 10 feet wide and 6 or 7 feet wide. Small carvings may be no larger than a thumb. Power tools have speeded work on large objects.