Activity Outcome
THCDC showcases results of antique firearms conservation and research project in Liugdui
- Source:客家文化發展中心
- Publication Date:2026/09/07
- Last updated:2026/10/14
- Count Views:10
The presentation of the “Research Project on the Donated Antique Firearms from the Hsiao Residence in Jiadong” was held on Aug. 7 at the Jiadong Hsiao Residence in Pingtung County. Professor Lu Tai-kang (盧泰康) of Tainan National University of the Arts and Associate Professor Shao Ching-wang (邵慶旺) of the National Taiwan University of Arts, both members of the research team, shared the results of more than a year’s work on the conservation, restoration, and field research of two antique firearms—the baizipao (百子砲) and zimupao (子母砲). The presentation and discussion aimed to expand and strengthen the capacity for cultural heritage preservation in Hakka communities.
The project completed scholarly research, scientific imaging analysis, conservation, and rust prevention for both firearms, and produced three pairs of finely crafted replicas. The work improved the appearance and condition of these valuable artifacts while also documenting and reconstructing their historical and cultural context during the Yiwei War.
Taiwan Hakka Culture Development Center (THCDC) Director-General Hsieh Sheng-hsin (謝勝信) thanked the Hsiao family of Jiadong for their cooperation and trust, and for generously donating the two historically significant firearms. He also praised the project team’s dedicated professional work. Through visits to Hakka communities, scientific examination, and conservation, the team has ensured that the artifacts’ historical information is thoroughly documented and preserved. The firearms embody the courage of Hakka fighters who defended their homeland in the Battle of Buyuelou in Jiadong. The center hopes to continue uncovering and documenting more Hakka historical artifacts, and to share the stories behind them with the public, so that these shared community memories can become cultural heritage passed down through generations.
The research team visited the Hsiao family compound and historical sites in Jiadong Township, a Hakka community in Pingtung County. They listened to oral accounts from descendants of the family and carefully gathered local documents and records of the battles. Combining modern scientific imaging with painstaking conservation and rust-removal techniques, the team transformed firearms that had been buried underground and severely corroded into testaments to history with significant scholarly and cultural heritage value. Each team member is not only an investigator of history, but also a guardian of Hakka community memory and cultural heritage.
The event was attended by THCDC Director Hsieh Sheng-hsin, Hakka Affairs Council official Huang Chi-jen (黃啟仁), Hakka Public Communication Foundation Chair Sung Ting-tung (宋廷棟), and other guests.
The event began with a tour led by Hsiao I-hsiung (蕭義雄), representing the Hsiao family. The guided tour of the family compound and its surroundings connected the antique firearms with their historical setting and brought academic research closer to public participation. It also allowed visitors to experience the history of Hakka communities defending their homeland, bringing the lasting importance and value of cultural heritage preservation into sharper focus.
