Republican Era Photographic Record of Shenzhen Hakka 1921-1928

Original Chinese Language Article By: Chen Wen Hong (陳文紅)

(Translated by Adrian Chan-Wyles PhD)

Translator’s Note: These 25 black and white photographs (arranged into 5 categories) depict village life in the Langkou area of Shenzhen, taken over a seven year time period. Shenzhen is situated within South Guangdong province and prior to 1997, existed on the border with the British controlled New Territories and Hong Kong. This general area is renowned for its Hakka populations and this collection of photographs record various aspects of life within a traditional Hakka village. Although there is no edition information, it would appear that the Westerners who appear in these photographs are probably Western missionaries, although this cannot be known for sure. What is known is that the Republican Government was pro-Western and was very accommodating to Western missionaries seeking to convert Chinese citizens to Christianity. There is no obvious Christian iconography present in the numerous pictures – and one appears to be wearing a cross, etc. The Westerners are shown sat with a Hakka family and eating Chinese food with chopsticks – although for some reason the Western man retains his hat, which in the West would be considered bad manners – as it would be in China. Perhaps this is simply a ‘posed’ photograph whereby the Westerners only ‘appear’ to be eating? A man and woman are depicted as getting married – with the young woman wearing traditional dress – but the man is wearing what was then considered a modern, Westerner-style suit. These picture demonstrates just how hard Hakka women work with virtually all the agricultural labour around the village being carried-out by women, work that even includes a single Hakka woman ploughing a field with an ox! The young men of the village appear to be keeping-fit through somekind of gymnastics training. These photographs are credited as being from the University of Southern California. ACW 15.2.2016

Section One: Excellent Hakka Hospitality and Cooking