Carrier Item Number: Edz937 from the MOA: University of British Columbia

Description

Red cotton carrier with a white heart motif print. The carrier is square with long straps attached at each corner. The square has a white cotton centre panel with red embroidery in floral motifs and Chinese characters. Two straps have panels of multicoloured embroidery on loosely woven white fabric. The panels and the top edge of the square are edged with green braid.

History Of Use

Used by women to hold a baby or young child on their backs, especially while working. Women who live on boats carry babies this way for safety and convenience. Also used by Kwangtung farm people, as women there work in fields. Presented to a woman by her mother upon birth of baby. In use, baby is tied to mother's back by means of two straps passing over her shoulders and under her arms, knotted across her chest (collector).

Cultural Context

used by women for everyday use

Narrative

Embroidered strap panels are characteristic of Macao boat dwellers.

Iconographic Meaning

The central character is 'double happiness'. The other characters also represent good fortune. Red is commonly used with infants as a symbol of happiness and good fortune.

Item History

What

Name
Carrier
Identification Number
Edz937
Type of Item
carrier
Material
synthetic fibre, cotton fibre and dye
Manufacturing Technique
machine woven, embroidered, machine stitched and cut
Overall
height 42.0 cm, width 39.5 cm

Who

Culture
Chinese
Previous Owner
Elizabeth L. Johnson
Received from
Elizabeth L. Johnson (Donor)

Where

Holding Institution
MOA: University of British Columbia
Made in
Macau

When

Creation Date
before 1976
Collection Date
during 1976
Ownership Date
before September 2, 1976
Acquisition Date
on September 2, 1976

Other

Item Classes
textiles
Condition
good
Accession Number
0328/0035