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Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum Lantern

D

Airwell (Chim Che)


The houses on this street are 160 ft in depth and 55 ft in width. The land was demarcated when the Dutch occupied Malacca. There are no windows on the left or right walls. Ventilation and light comes into the house through 3 main courtyard airwells. Rain would fall through the airwell, to cool the house, and also bringing good luck and prosperity (ong) into the house as it is believed that water signifies wealth.

Staircase


One of the unique features of this house is its goldgilded staircase. No nails were used in creating the staircase, lending to the superstition that the only time a nail is used for the family is ‘the final nail in the coffin’.

The symbols on the staircase represent 8 immortals.There are legendary taoist beings representing different life conditions: poverty, wealth, aristocracy, the working class, age, youth, masculinity and femininity

One of the eight immortals Lu Don Bin carries a Taoist Fly-Brush and Sword. According to the legend, he attained immortality at the age of 50 and is worshipped by the sick. He is said to travel the earth slaying dragons and ridding the world of various forms of evil!

Baba Nyonya Heritage Museum Staircase Design

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