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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

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