[Go-Stun] Peranakan Beadwork: Heritage Art, a talk by Bebe Seet
Date:Saturday Jul 30, 2016
Time:02:00 PM - 03:30 PM
Venue:Imagine in library@orchard
Lang: English
Note: Registration is closed.
The ‘kasut manek’ or beaded slippers which is the creation of the nyonya’s hands, is a material link to the past, becoming in itself a visible symbol of the Peranakan’s proud ancestry. Documentation on beadwork is scarce, but researches on old beadworks provide some history on beading techniques, materials and designs. This talk revives the dying art form of Peranakan beading, and tells of its continuation today as historical artefact and a craft activity.
- About the Speaker -
Bebe Seet founded Rumah Bebe in 1995, after she was spurred to learn about the Peranakan art of beading slippers when she could not find herself a pair of antique ‘kasut manek’ (Malay for ‘beaded shoes’) traditionally worn by Peranakan women. Bebe’s first teacher was the mother of a friend. After the elderly lady’s death, Bebe made further progress with aid of research into the history of ‘nyonya’ (female Peranakan) beading. She began giving classes to share the joy and passion of the craft, and from there expanded into independent retail of beaded items and other related Peranakan heritage products. Rumah Bebe is currently housed in a 1928 shophouse in Katong, which opened in a new location with the visit from delegates of the 2003 Pacific Asia Travel Association (PATA) Convention, an event supported by the Singapore Tourism Board.
- About the Series -
‘Go-Stun: Heritage Artefacts’ – talks organised in collaboration with the Friends of the Museums.
The Friends of the Museums return to the libraries again in July 2016. This time, we welcome local cultural advocates to tell us about heritage artefacts that underlie the region’s rich diversity. Head back in time, while keeping a view ahead for the contemporary potential of vanishing art forms and trades.
- About ‘Go-Stun’ -
‘Go-Stun – Amazing Stories to Live By’ is a curated series of programmes happening at the Public Libraries and beyond, targeted at bridging youths to the cultures and heritage of Singapore. Go-Stun workshops, talks, performances and walking tours intend to revisit the past, evoke nostalgia, commemorate iconic places, and unite personal memories with shared experiences.
---
For further information about Go-Stun and other arts programmes at the Public Libraries Singapore, please email arts@nlb.gov.sg.