NHB officers will NEVER ask you to transfer money or disclose bank log-in details over a phone call. Call the 24/7 ScamShield Helpline at 1799 if you are unsure if something is a scam. For more information on how to protect yourself against scams, please visit www.scamshield.gov.sg.

Ceramic pillow used by 'amahs'

Title

Year/Period

1930s

Region

Singapore

Dimension

Object size: L:17.0 x W:12.3 x H:12.4

Accession No.

2000-06968

Collection of

National Museum of Singapore

‘Amahs’ (Cantonese domestic servants) were frugal women who spent little on personal items. This ceramic pillow was one of the few possessions these women had in their sparsely furnished, tiny rented cubicles in Chinatown. Amahs largely resided in the homes of their employers, and returned to their cubicles only to check mail, visit other amahs, or if they were temporarily unemployed.