Montfort Care

Handmade Histories: Honouring The Past
2025
Ceramic
70 × 77 × 25 cm
Collection of Montfort Care (Goodlife Makan)

Handmade Histories: Honouring The Past honours samsui women—icons of strength and pioneers in shaping Singapore’s early urban landscape. These Chinese immigrants arrived in Singapore in the early 20th century and took on tough construction and manual labour roles in our society.

Although their profession had faded away by the 1980s, their legacy remains a symbol of resilience and dedication. In this work, each figure is hand-shaped by a community artist and is depicted wearing the samsui women’s signature red headpiece, a symbol of their professional identity. Accompanying the figures are miniature models of local favourites like kaya toast, soft-boiled eggs and kopi—symbols of comfort, heritage and community life.

Community Artists (Seniors):

Asha d/o Hiranand, Chan Moi Yin Susan, Chong Wang Shan Chin, Khoo Chee Nee, Lim Liang Sen Dorothy,

Lim Peng Huat, Primla Saxena, Sow Seok Eng, Tan Sok Chng, Susan Tan Suak Hong, Wang Shan Shy