The “World Mazu” sculpture is a masterpiece that embodies the essence of Chinese culture and promotes the global concept of peace.
The “World Mazu” sculpture is inspired by Mazu culture, a thousand-year-old intangible cultural heritage. On September 30, 2009, the Mazu belief and customs were included in UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, marking the global recognition of this cultural heritage. This year coincides with the 1064th anniversary of Mazu’s birth, the 15th anniversary of Mazu’s inclusion in the World Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the 45th anniversary of China-US diplomatic relations. In this moment of profound significance, the “World Mazu” sculpture came into being.
This sculpture was meticulously crafted by renowned sculptor and ceramic artist Dong Ning. The figure is dignified and elegant, with a carefully designed crown and graceful posture, reflecting Mazu’s qualities of compassion and wisdom. This sculpture is not just a work of art but also a material carrier of Mazu culture, rich with historical significance and cultural value. The piece was provided by the “World Mazu Culture Research Association“.
The “World Mazu” sculpture stands out for its unique numbering system. The number “10017-093009-0950001” carries multiple meanings:
1. “10017” is the postal code of the United Nations, symbolizing Mazu culture’s close connection with the international community.
2. “093009” represents the date Mazu belief and customs were listed as World Intangible Cultural Heritage (September 30, 2009).
3. “095” symbolizes supreme honor (“nine-five” meaning “royal”), and “0001” signifies the first work in the series, underscoring its rarity and value.
Mazu, the goddess of peace over the seas, aligns with the core values of UNESCO. In the 1980s, the United Nations awarded Mazu the title of “Goddess of Peace,” further affirming her spirit of “virtue, good deeds, and great love.” The “World Mazu” sculpture aims to spread this spirit and promote global peace and the continued development of a shared future for humanity.
In today’s globalized world, Mazu culture has transcended regional boundaries, taking root around the world. The values of harmony, inclusion, and mutual assistance that Mazu represents have built bridges of communication between people from different nations and regions. By promoting Mazu culture, we not only preserve a belief system but also foster cross-cultural exchanges, contributing to the creation of a global community with a shared future.
“Civilizations flourish through exchanges and are enriched by mutual learning.” The “World Mazu” sculpture is a perfect reflection of this philosophy. It is not only a work of art but also a bridge connecting Eastern and Western cultures, serving as an ambassador for world peace. Through this sculpture, we hope to spread the values of “peaceful cooperation, shared health, and joint cultural development” worldwide, contributing to a brighter future for humanity.
The birth of the “World Mazu” sculpture is not only an artistic landmark but also a cultural bridge, spreading the spirit of compassion and great love rooted in Chinese tradition to the world. It embodies Mazu’s legacy as a symbol of peace, aligning with the United Nations’ mission to promote global peace and cultural exchange. In this moment of multiple anniversaries, the unveiling of the “World Mazu” sculpture symbolizes a new height of cultural exchange and mutual learning between different civilizations. Through the promotion of Mazu culture, we not only witness the enduring vitality of intangible cultural heritage but also add immense strength to the cause of world peace and the building of a global community with a shared future. This sculpture will forever remind us that only through respect and inclusion can civilizations shine in the exchange of ideas, paving the way for peace for all of humanity.
Reported by Lin Bingbin from New York for the “World Mazu Culture Alliance”. Please credit the source and retain the author’s information when republishing. Thank you for your attention and support.
