The ancient art of effigy making is facing impending demise as skilled artisans retire. What would we lose culturally when that time comes, and what can we do to preserve this heritage?

That’s what host Elizabeth Boon aims to find out, when she works at Say Tian Hng Buddha shop for a few days. Getting over her own apprehensions of religious iconography, she learns to appreciate the skill and patience required to carve effigies by hand.

But with the craft failing to appeal to a younger audience, can secularising religious art save this century-old business?

0:00 Introduction
1:24 Taoist deities in Singapore back-alleys
4:37 Singapore's last Taoist effigy shop
6:30 How a Taoist effigy is made
7:32 Filigree application on Taoist effigies
11:31 Painting a Taoist effigy
12:15 Preserving the craft of effigy making
14:07 A contemporary Monkey God?
17:25 E-Joss stick NFTs for the metaverse
21:50 Why should we save heritage businesses?

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About On The Red Dot: CNA's weekly programme documents the stories of ordinary Singaporeans and celebrates their resilience, identity and sense of belonging.
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