A jade bangle exhumed from Bukit Brown Cemetery, peg no. 539

Title
A jade bangle exhumed from Bukit Brown Cemetery, peg no. 539
Year/Period
c. 1943
Region
SIngapore
Object Type
Material
Dimension
Object size: 1.0 x 7.5 x 7.5 cm
Accession No.
2021-00183

This bangle and a hair ornament were found in the unclaimed grave with peg no. 539 at Bukit Brown Cemetery. According to the grave marking, it belonged to Mrs. 王, nee黄引娘, from Shanhou 山後, Kinmen county (金門), Fujian province. She passed away in 1943 (民国癸未年九月) and was survived by 1 son, 1 daughter and 1 grandson.The practice of burying everyday objects and luxurious items with the deceased originated in ancient China and continued to be observed by the Straits Chinese communities. They were meant for use by the deceased in the afterlife and served as statements of the family’s rank and status. Such jewellery were probably personal belongings of the deceased or made for the purpose of burial.