臺灣漢人的神像：談神如何具象

本文從具象化（objectification）的觀點來探討臺灣漢人的神像。論述上，分別從內在與外在兩個方面來說明「賦與形體」（embodiment）與「定著一地」（localization）為神明具象的兩個主要象徵過程。由此，本文進一步指出神像之力不僅從神之形體化而進入信徒社會網絡而來，更具有地域化、定著於一地的意涵。而如此之靈力的性質背後則以臺灣漢人的人觀與五營空間概念為基礎。

This article examines Taiwanese god-icons in terms of internal and external objectification. I argue that embodiment and localization are the two main symbolic processes in the objectification of Taiwanese gods. I suggest that the power of the icon comes not only from embodiment (being able to embed itself into the social network of human beings), but also from localization (being grounded into the territory of the worshippers). These characteristics of power are based upon the Taiwanese concept of the person and the wu-ying (lit. five spirit soldier camp) spatial concept.