2005.1.63

Notes written on back of photo: "Chinese lion capivates kids, Union Square, S.F." Newspaper caption pasted on back of photo: "With firecrackers popping and children watching, Chinese lion dancers kicked off Year of the Boar festivities in Oakland's Chinatown and San Francisco's Union Square on Saturday. Above, a lion dancer moves along 12th Street in downtwon Oakland, where merchants offered contributions to charity in return for the sidewalk peformances, complete with drums, cymbals and gongs. At left, intent youngsters watch the San Francisco celebration." February 20, 1983. [No photo with caption.] On the left side of the photo, taken from behind, is a costumed person sitting on stage looking at crowd. The costume has a large head of light shiny color (gold/silver) with many approximately 11 swirling decoration on top that rise from the head. Near the top and along the right side is a long shaggy piece that could simulate a long ear. In front of this are two circles painted on the head and in front of this is a dark cloth that appears to be pleated. The bottom edge of the head has a wavy gold(?) design on a dark color. From under the head and down the middle of the back extend six (visible) rectangular decorated "beads". The body of the costume is long strands of light colored "hair". The costumed person's legs are extended in front and one shoe is visible. The shoe has a large toe box and is decorated in many colors. In front of the shoe is some sort of equipment with two wires extending from it -- the name on this equipment is "whirlwind". In front of the costumed person is a crowd looking at the stage. In the front row are four children: two boys (one with arms outstretched on the stage and the second with his arms folded in front of him and on the stage) and two girls. One girl's chin rests on the stage whilte the other's elbows are on the stage with her hands cover her ears. Behind the children is a crow of young and older people of mixed races.

From white file folder: Chinese Americans. See also 2005.1.65

Used: Oakland Tribune