Cultural Influences Of Baba-Nyonya On Eclectic Style Shophouse, George Town, Penang Case Study: Sun Yat Sen Museum
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Date
2017-01
Authors
Mahdi Zwain, Akram M.Ali
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Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Universiti Sains Malaysia
Abstract
China Peranakan or the Straits Chinese, is more well known as the Baba-Nyonya. They mainly revolve around Chinese and Malay cultures. However, the Baba-Nyonya culture features a hint of the people’s cultures of the Malay (Javanese, Batak), Thai and European (British and Dutch, Portuguese) cultures. Nevertheless, the supreme architectural achievement of this minority group i.e their eclectic shophouses is now facing a crisis which may determine its survival. The problem is critical for there is an inconsistently lack of sound knowledge in conservation of their shophouses. Therefore, the aim of this research is to explore the uniqueness of architectural and cultural influences of Baba-Nyonya on eclectic style shophouse which can be unfolded through inspecting their architecture and interior design. The targeted shophouse of interest of this research can be found in Armenian Street, George Town, Penang. This research analyses the architectural aspects and focuses on the architectural components of the Sun Yat Sen Museum shophouse (Baba-Nyonya-Eclectic Style). The methodology adopted herein is qualitative in which documenting evidence, direct observation, thirty interviews with visitors and eight with experts. Visual data was in utilised to fully conceive the value of this cultural heritage in Malaysia. The results are then being associated to their cultural philosophies, rituals and customs. The findings of this research have revealed that the culture of Chinese, Malay and European have strong influences on the architectural and interior space components, furniture and the details of the Sun Yat Sen Museum shophouse. The results also display that the allocation and ornamentations of wood carving. building façade and furniture within this old building is designed in a way to exhibit their spiritual images.
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Keywords
Cultural influences of baba-nyonya on eclectic style , shophouse, George Town, Penang, Sun Yat Sen Museum