Semiotic Analysis of Idol Images in China and the Pacific Region: Interpreting Religious and Cultural Beliefs from Visual Art

Abstract

This study conducts a comparative semiotic analysis of idol images in China and the Pacific region, focusing on the Buddhist Guanyin statue and Buddha statue in China as well as the Fijian Degei idol and Malangan figures in Papua New Guinea. It examines how these idols represent key religious and cultural beliefs, such as compassion, enlightenment, creation, and ancestor worship, in their respective societies. The research employed a qualitative method, using semiotic analysis to interpret visual elements, such as posture, facial expressions, and symbolic gestures. Secondary data were collected from academic papers, books, and visual archives. The findings reveal that Chinese idols emphasize spiritual enlightenment and inner transformation, with a focus on Buddhist values, while Pacific idols highlight themes of creation, ancestral connections, and the interplay between physical and spiritual realms. This study contributes to the existing literature on religious iconography by illustrating how visual art not only reflects but also preserves cultural and spiritual values in these regions. Future research could explore the impact of globalization on the evolving symbolism of traditional idol imagery.