v Keeping the Evidence
   > Allegiance Certificate
   > Lions Head
   > Lithuanian Costume
   > Rosary
> Historical Relics
> Banners Project
> Pictorial Collection
> Collections Management
> Donating Items

Lions Head

Continuation of cultural traditions can be very important for many immigrants. Festivals such as Chinese New Year, where lion’s heads like this one might be featured, bring some of the colour and vibrancy of these cultural traditions to life in South Australia.

The lion’s head pictured here was a gift to the South Australian Government from the Government of Penang in 1977. It was presented to then Premier Don Dunstan as part of Malaysia Week, which was held in Elder Park. The presentation was made by the Chief Minister, Premier of Penang, Lim Chung Ev.

The lion’s head is known as “Iam sai” and recognised as Southern Malaysian by its features. It is a complex piece of art with moveable parts that can be manipulated from inside the lion’s head. It would be used, with its body, to perform a lion dance at festive occasions.

Disclaimer, Copyright ©, History Trust of South Australia 2003
Currently viewing: http://www.history.sa.gov.au/migration/collections/cultural_diversity/lions_head.htm
Comments or Questions to: staff@history.sa.gov.au