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Cultural Context

theatre

Specific Techniques

All sewing was done by machine. The facial features are roughly cut out and unfinished.

History Of Use

Used to represent a skeleton in Cantonese opera. The conditions of production of costumes pre World War II are not known with certainty. As most costumes have repeated motifs, some method must have been used to replicate them for embroidery and couching. This work was probably done on a putting-out basis under the auspices of the production company, by women. The final finishing may have been done by men in the company headquarters.

Narrative

A large group of Cantonese opera costumes, musical instruments, props, trunks, and stage fittings was left with the Jin Wah Sing Musical Association, apparently by some of the many itinerant troupes visiting Vancouver to perform in the Chinatown theatres in the pre World War II period. There is no certain knowledge of why these materials were not taken back to China by them. They were used by the Jin Wah Sing Musical Association in their performances until they became too dated. The association continued to preserve them carefully, storing them in their headquarters and in the basement of the Chinese Freemasons building until several groups of materials were sold and donated to the Museum of Anthropology.

Description

One piece black skeleton costume (part a). The complete skeletal frame is painted on the front and back in white. The costume covers the head, arms, hands, and legs. There are slits for the eyes, nose and mouth on the front and back. There is a centre front opening with three ties. N1.856 b-c are costume slippers that are worn over shoes to complete the costume.