Chinese Name: 林良太

Born: 1951

Died: April 25, 2024

Birthplace: Kaohsiung City (Southern Taiwan)

Did You Know That…?

In 2019, Lin Liang-tai was registered as the preserver of wooden Wang Yeh (王爺) boat making technique by the Kaohsiung City Government. 

After graduating from middle high school, Lin Liang-tai began learning the craft of building fishing boats. At 25, he met a Taoist paper art master, which led him to enter the field of wooden Wang Yeh boat making. As a skilled craftsman, Lin was able to create exceptional and customizable Wang Yeh boats. He had the ability to conceive the boat’s structure, equipment, and components entirely in his mind. Additionally, he was an expert in the boat-making process and had a deep understanding of the associated traditions, taboos, and rituals.

Wang Yeh worship is common along the southwestern coast of Taiwan, where communities celebrate Wang Yeh festivals. In these practices, the Wang Yeh boat plays a vital role as a bearer of blessings. The boat is used in ceremonies such as the Wang Yeh Welcoming ceremony, while the act of burning the boat, which signifies the deity’s departure, is unique to coastal areas. According to folklore, besides serving as a vehicle for Wang Yeh’s return to heaven, the boat also carries illness and plague away, making its burning a symbol of great health.

The Wang Yeh boat is primarily constructed from three materials: wood, paper, and composite material. As one of the master craftsmen in Wang Yeh boat making, Lin has continuously worked on innovation and achieved breakthroughs in the craft.

Over his career, Lin has produced more than 200 boats, with his works visible across the country, from northern regions like Miaoli to eastern regions such as Hualien. He has participated in several significant ceremonies of folk beliefs, including the “kuah hisunn (刈香)” ceremonies in Sigang (西港), as well as celebrations in Hsia Cie Ding (下茄萣) and Pai Sha Lun (白砂崙). Through his dedication to the craft, Lin has made substantial contributions to the preservation of intangible cultural heritage in Taiwan, establishing a strong foundation for the future of traditional crafts in the country