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American man promotes Ilan County's religious art

US-born Joe Papenfuff's love of temples and religious art was instilled in him from a young age. His grandmother worked at a museum in Chicago and gave him an appreciation for ancient artifacts.

Now living with his wife in Ilan, Papenfuff is working to promote Ilan County as a tourist destination for its abundance of temples and religious art.

He is also a collector, having spent an estimated NT$10 million (US$302,000) over the past 10 years traveling Taiwan buying religious statues and carvings.

Papenfuff says that he prefers Taiwanese religious art because it is distinct from that of China and Japan. He says that the Taiwanese statues of Buddha -- with their round faces, big noses and lively carving -- give off a vitality.

Papenfuff says the county government hasn't been doing enough to promote its distinct temples and temple art, which are a major draw for foreign tourists.

Lu Chun-shan (呂春山), director of Ilan's Cultural Affairs Bureau, says that this has been difficult in the past because religious tourism spots are administered by museums and communities. The government could work to prmote cooperation between local agencies to draw up a travel package for tourists interested in Ilan's religious sites, he said.

An exhibition of Papenfuff's collection is on display at the bureau's offices until March 25.
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