A row of gold teeth exhumed from Bukit Brown Cemetery, peg no. 809.1

Title
A row of gold teeth exhumed from Bukit Brown Cemetery, peg no. 809.1
Year/Period
1900s
Region
Acquired in Singapore
Dimension
Object size: 1.2 x 4.0 x 1.2,
Object size: 1.1 x 4.0 x 2.0 cm
Accession No.
2021-00180

This row of gold teeth was found in the unclaimed grave with peg no. 809.1 at Bukit Brown Cemetery. It is part of a joint grave that belonged to Mr. 佘勉安 and Mrs. 陳淑珍. Their years of death and biographical details are unknown.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 also served as statements of the family’s rank and status. More than 2,000 artefacts have been unearthed from Bukit Brown Cemetery, which include miniature clay and porcelain vessels, specifically produced for this purpose, and jade and silver jewellery that were probably personal belongings of the deceased or made or purchased for the purpose of burial.