Title
Earth God altar (part of an exhumed grave from Bukit Brown Cemetery)
Year/Period
Probably late 1920s
Region
Found in Singapore
Object Type
Material
Technique
Dimension
Object size: 46.5 x 70.0 x 65.0 cm
Accession No.
2022-01054
Collection of
This small shrine is dedicated to the Earth God known as Hou Tu 后土. The Earth God shrine, which is usually placed adjacent to the headstone, is often indicated simply by the two Chinese characters houtu on a small stone slab but this example is carved with a seated deity in relatively fine detail. In addition, it bears a unique fleur-de-lys-like motif as well as leafy scrolls along its curved outer edge. The eclectic blend of decorative elements highlights how the aesthetics of tombs at Bukit Brown Cemetery were shaped in large part by individual taste.
