Have you ever wondered the meaning of the inscriptions on the Singapore Stone, or the sayings of the Sejarah Melayu about the island's mythical beginnings? Go beyond the history books and delve deeper into Singapore's past with Roots' The Singapore Story Through 60 Objects. The online exhibition invites all curious minds to uncover the lesser-known stories behind the National Collection, spotlighting 60 artefacts in particular.
It's been 60 years since Singapore declared an internally self-governing state under the British Crown – June 3, 1959 marks Singapore's pre-independence 'national day'. While the bicentennial of modern Singapore reflects 200 years of history, dating back to the arrival of Sir Stamford Raffles, the last 60 years saw Singapore's journey of self-rule. Therefore, this explains the magic number behind this history showcase. Together, the 60 objects tell the tale of Singapore, from the late first millennium, through the colonial period to the present time.
The objects are curated along five key sections including Networks through Time, Colonial, Community and Faith, Art Historical, and Self-Government and Independence, giving you a hybrid approach that blends chronology, geography, cultures, and major themes. Images of the artefacts are accompanied by bite-sized explainers, as well as narratives to better understand Singapore in the various lights.
Now, start your journey to the past via The Singapore Story Through 60 Objects. For more history, check out the interactive online exhibition An Old New World: Digital Edition.