These sculptures may take one back to the passages of time. Have a glimpse of how life might have been for the coolies and other people back in the colonial period, when Singapore was still a colony of the British empire.
The best I know, the word "coolie" might have been derived from the Chinese word ku li which literally means "bitterly hard (use of) strength". These people ought to be given due respect. They worked hard to earn their keep. They endured hardships so as to earn their living. They toiled, but they have also contributed.
The merchants too have contributed in their own way. Perhaps those who have a kind and generous heart had lobbied lots of support from the commoners? Anyway, Singapore started as a trading port. Merchants had their special roles to play then.
This site gives some background information about coolie:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coolie
1 comment:
yes, life was harder then, but in a way, simpler, in terms of simplicity in material needs.
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