Bumboats on the Singapore River, 1982 : general view [5]



Photograph

01 Nov 1982

Photographed By Kouo, Shang-Wei, 1924-1988

Information About

In this photograph, a bumboat (also called twakow or tongkang) laden with cargo is sailing along the Singapore River. It is believed that the "painted eyes" on the boat enable it to 'see' any danger ahead. On both sides of the Singapore River, we can see similar boats docked too. In the background, the low-rise shop houses of Boat Quay can be seen. Title devised by Library staff.


Additional Details

Credit Line
All rights reserved, Family of Kouo Shang-Wei and National Library Board Singapore 2007

More to Explore

Boat head with eye, 1982 : general view

Boat head with eye, 1982 : general view

IMAGE

This photograph shows the head of a bumboat on the Singapore River, with eyes painted on its sides in a combination of red, white and green colourings. These "painted eyes" presumably enable the bumboats to observe dangers ahead. A row of old shophouses along Boat Quay can be seen in...

Bumboats at Singapore River : general view

Bumboats at Singapore River : general view

IMAGE

This photograph shows some bumboats at Singapore River. In the foreground is a bumboat with "painted eyes" that enable it to 'see' any danger ahead. Title devised by Library staff. Date of creation estimated....

Boat head with eye, 1982 : close-up [2]

Boat head with eye, 1982 : close-up [2]

IMAGE

This photograph is a composite of 2 images showing different parts of a bumboat, on the Singapore River. A partial view of old shophouses at Boat Quay can be seen in the background. Title devised by Library staff...

Boat head with eye, 1982 : close-up [3]

Boat head with eye, 1982 : close-up [3]

IMAGE

This photograph is a composite of 2 images showing different parts of a bumboat, on the Singapore River. A partial view of old shop houses at Boat Quay can be seen in the background. Title devised by Library staff....

Singapore River in 1983 : general view [1]

Singapore River in 1983 : general view [1]

IMAGE

This is a photograph which shows a section of the Singapore River. The bumboats (also called twakows or tongkangs) are partly covered by the hanging roots or branches of a tree. In the background, more bumboats are seen against the backdrop of a row of shophouses. The man in the...

Bumboats on Singapore River 1 : aerial view

Bumboats on Singapore River 1 : aerial view

IMAGE

This is a photograph of bumboats (also called twakows or tongkangs) in the Singapore River. Towering over the shophouses is the OCBC Centre. Title devised by Library staff. Date of creation estimated....

Bumboats on Singapore River 3 : aerial view

Bumboats on Singapore River 3 : aerial view

IMAGE

This photograph shows an aerial view of Elgin Bridge and bumboats (also called twakows or tongkangs) in the Singapore River. Towering over the shophouses is the OCBC Centre. Title devised by Library staff. Date of creation estimated....

Singapore River Walk : general view

Singapore River Walk : general view

IMAGE

This is a photograph showing bumboats (also called twakows or tongkangs) in the Singapore River. Towering over the shophouses at Boat Quay is OCBC Centre, framed against Singapore's skyline. Street furniture like benches along the walkways are suitable resting spots for experiencing the sights and sounds of the river. ...

Bumboats on Singapore River 2 : panoramic view

Bumboats on Singapore River 2 : panoramic view

IMAGE

This photograph offers a panoramic view of the bumboats (also called twakows or tongkangs) in the Singapore River. Seen against the Singapore skyline are financial buildings like the UOB Building and OCBC Centre. Title devised by Library staff. Date of creation estimated....

Boat head with eye, 1982 : close-up [1]

Boat head with eye, 1982 : close-up [1]

IMAGE

This photograph shows the head of a bumboat, with eyes painted on its sides in a combination of red, white and green colourings. These "painted eyes" presumably enable the bumboats to observe dangers ahead. Title devised by Library staff....