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Hong Kong - China - Street Coolies
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Hong Kong - China - Street Coolies
Hong Kong - China - Street Coolies. The first and last are clad in straw raincoats while the one in the centre is carrying provisions purchased from the market.
circa 1910s
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Media ID 11584769
© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection
Attire Bizarre Coats Coolie Coolies Extraordinary Hong Kong Provisions Rain Raincoats Strange Straw Surprisingly Umbrella Unusual Weird
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative photograph captures the daily life of coolies, or laborers, in Hong Kong during the 1910s. The scene unfolds on the bustling streets of China's then-British colony, where the coolies are dressed in their traditional attire, including straw raincoats and umbrellas, to shield themselves from the heavy rain. The first and last coolies in the image are clad in these distinctive raincoats, which were commonly used by laborers in China and Hong Kong due to their affordability and effectiveness in keeping out the rain. The coolie in the center of the photograph is carrying a large load of provisions purchased from the market, likely to be sold or exchanged for wages. The unusual sight of these laborers, dressed in their odd yet surprisingly effective rain gear, adds an extraordinary and bizarre element to the otherwise ordinary scene. Their determined expressions and the weight of their burdens convey a sense of hard work and resilience in the face of adversity. This photograph offers a glimpse into the past, providing a window into the lives of the coolies who played a crucial role in the economic and social fabric of Hong Kong during this period. The image is a reminder of the rich history and cultural traditions that continue to shape the vibrant and dynamic city that Hong Kong is today.
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