2005.1.73

02/07/78
7 in HIGH x 8.75 in WIDE
(17.78 cm HIGH x 22.22 cm WIDE)
Oakland Tribune Collection, Oakland Museum of California, gift of ANG Newspapers
2005.1.73


Two Chinese lions with "handfler" performing in front of store. From newspaper caption pasted on back of photo: "NEW YEAR RITES -- Two lion dancers prepare to greet the new year in celebrations by Chinese-Americans on both sides of the bay this week. The annual San Francisco Chinese New Year's parade is scheduled for next Saturday." Jan 28, 1979 Two lion dancers are performing in an open space in front of a department store or mall. The lion on the left is elaborately decorated with fringe and fuzz to accentuate various parts of the head suggesting it is fierce. The mouth is open and the lower row of painted-in teeth are visible. A white beard (of fringe) extends from the lower jaw. There is fringe around the upper mouth, nostrils, eyes and ears. There is much decoration on the head. The body appears to be of a dark color to which light colored adornments have been added. There is one person clad in dark trousers and shoes in the head -- standing up. Another person dressed in dark trousers and shoes and leaning over is under the body at the back. Next to this lion is a person in dark trousers, white "happi coat" and mask that covers the entire head. The mask has painted on it dark eyes and brows and persumably a mouth. A round nose protrudes from the center of the mask that has white/light colored hair painted on it. This man has both hands near the mouth of the other lion head. Another lion is on the right side of the photo in profile. It too is very elaborate with some fringe and fuzz. The large eyes are in a tear drop shape and seem to protrude slightly from the head. Above the eyes are two "horns" with fringe/fuzz at their ends. The face patterns suggest flowers as opposed to fierceness. The area just behind the head has decorative materials in various colors. The body of this lion is not visible. In front of the lions are the backs of three people with dark hair watching. Behind the lions are approximately ten people, some with take-out drinks in their hands, watching the performance. On the left side of the photo is a tall hanging with a Chinese motif. On the left and behind the spectators is a large display window with female mannequins facing the lions. On the left side of the photo are glass doors for entry to the department store or mall. There are people visible behind the glass.

From white file folder Chinese Americans

Used: Oakland Tribune

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