Cantonese Opera Prop Item Number: 1704/8 from the MOA: University of British Columbia
Description
Decapitated head opera prop. Representation of a human head. Hollow head with bamboo loop sticking out of the top. The bamboo is wrapped in a grey coloured fibre. Head has painted black coloured hair, painted red lips, and painted eyes and eyebrows. Head is open at neck. The inside of the head has strips of bamboo that are tied with fibre and is lined with newspaper (paper mache).
History Of Use
Used to represent a decapitated head in Cantonese opera theatre performances.
Narrative
Donated as part of a collection of Cantonese opera props used by the Jin Wah Sing Musical Association. It has been generally assumed that props like these were produced in China and transported to North America with the travelling troupes. This example, however, was created in North America, as evidenced by the main construction material being English-language newspapers published in Vancouver.
Item History
- Made in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada before 1940
- Owned by Jin Wah Sing Musical Association before October 15, 1996
- Received from Jin Wah Sing Musical Association (Donor) on October 15, 1996
What
- Name
- Cantonese Opera Prop
- Identification Number
- 1704/8
- Type of Item
- prop
- Material
- paper, bamboo grass, adhesive, pigment, paint and cotton fibre
- Overall
- height 43.0 cm, width 17.0 cm, depth 21.0 cm
Who
- Culture
- Chinese: Cantonese
- Previous Owner
- Jin Wah Sing Musical Association
- Received from
- Jin Wah Sing Musical Association (Donor)
Where
- Holding Institution
- MOA: University of British Columbia
- Made in
- Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
When
- Creation Date
- before 1940
- Ownership Date
- before October 15, 1996
- Acquisition Date
- on October 15, 1996
Other
- Condition
- fair
- Accession Number
- 1704/0008