Chinese
Chinese Coins
Although not legal currency in Canada, Chinese coins were often used
as tokens of trade inside Chinese communities. Coins such as these varied
in value due to their size and often could be very old. Unlike paper money,
these coins were very durable and could survive hundreds of years of use.
Chinese Soup Spoon
Of traditional Chinese design, this spoon would be familiar to many
Westerners as the type that they receive with Chinese soup today. This
spoon was exhumed from the former Chinese settlement at Wild Horse Creek
and could be more than one hundred years old.
Chinese Tea Pot (handle missing)
This sturdy teapot was equipped with a bamboo handle, now missing.
Chinese tea, unlike western tea was not served with cream or sugar. Often
the black tea favoured by Westerners was replaced with many types of green
teas.
Coolie Hat (reproduction)
Worn by many Chinese to protect their head from rain and sun, the
"coolie hat" as it came to be known was common on construction sites that
hired Chinese. The name "coolie" derives from an insult given to the Chinese
when first encountered by whites; it means "bitter labour".
Decorated Chinese Jar
A regular item in the houses of both European and Chinese families,
this jar served many different functions. Items decorated like this would
show the owner to be worldly and would impress friends and associates.
Such worldliness was sought after in the Victorian age by those looking
to advance themselves in society.
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