This simple belt consists of a jade piece attached to a rough loop of rope. It was worn by a majie named Ah Hing, and would have been used to secure her trousers. Majies migrated to Singapore from southern China, mostly the Pearl River Delta, in the 1930s where many found employment as domestic helpers. Majie is derived from a Shun Tak term (ma cheh) which means mother and sister – alluding to their spinsterhood and their work looking after children. Majie would wear a 'uniform' consisting of a white samfoo and black trouders.Ah Hing worked for the Kwok family for 40 years. Hing had general duties including caring for the young children of the family. Later on, her role was exclusively as a cook. The Kwok family has fond memories of the dishes she made including double boiled stuffed chicken, braised fish head, layered pork and yam and more.
