[Singapore]. Picture postcards.

€ 450.00

Lovely views of Singapore with compelling images of the Malay community, the second largest ethnic group in the region since the mid-19th century. At the time of the arrival of British colonial official Stamford Raffles in 1819, the native Malays formed the majority on the island. However, during British colonial rule immigration rates of Indians and Chinese surpassed those of Malays, with the Chinese notably becoming the majority ethnic group by the middle of the 19th century.

The present postcards document the traditional lifestyle of the native Singapore population, showing Malay kampongs, dwellings, tea houses, markets and shops, sometimes featuring Malay children and fishermen. Today, development and urbanization have replaced most kampong villages in Singapore, with only a few remaining, mostly on the surrounding islands such as Pulau Ubin.

Further motifs include the Singapore River, banana, cocoanut and rubber plantations, boats, ox-drawn water carts, and the native cemetery. Various views of Singapore landmarks, such as Victoria Memorial Hall, St. Joseph's Institution, Hotel de l'Europe, St. Andrew's Cathedral, Raffles Square, the Singapore Cricket Club, and the Botanical Garden complete the picture. An attractive compilation of vintage postcards resembling a photo album.