Context (Related Documents)
Listed in the 14th Annual Report (1899) 'Appendix II Skeat Collection./This collection was formed by the donor, Mr Walter W. Skeat, M.A., District Magistrate of Larut, Perak, in the Kuala Langat District of Selangor in the years 1896 and 1897'.
Event Date 1899
Author: Guey-Mei Hsu

Context (Acquisition Details)
The 14th Annual Report (1899) noted that 'Mr Walter W. Skeat, M.A., District Magistrate of Larut, Selangor, Perak, has presented his extensive collection of Malay and Sakei weapons, implements, costumes, models, etc., comprising over a thousand specimens. This collection, the result of many years residence in the country, fills a considerable gap in the Museum series, and is the more valuable as many of the objects it embraces are actually no longer in use among the people, or are being rapidly displaced by European goods. By Grace, 10 February, 1898, Reporter, p. 486, the thanks of the University were offered to the donor for this most valuable gift.
The cost of packing and conveyance to Singapore was defrayed by the donor; while his father, Professor Skeat, generously paid the expenses of transit from Singapore to Cambridge; so that the collection was received by the University free of cost'.
Event Date 1899
Author: Guey-Mei Hsu

Context (Related Documents)
In the 14th Annual Report, Appendix II entitled "Skeat Collection", the object was given No. 415, under "7. Means of locomotion/All the objects included in this section are models." The object was described, "A P. ayam, i.e. Cock boat. Similar to the last, but of slimmer build: carries dandan over stern only and has a steering oar. Cock's head on bow. Length 18"
Event Date 1899
Author: Guey-Mei Hsu

Description (Physical description)
A Prahu ayam. A boat model similar to Z 33717, but of slimmer build: carries dandan over stern only and has a steering oar. Cock's head on bow.
Event Date 16/1/1987
Author: maa

Context (Production / use)
Model shows no sign of use and is likely to have been commissioned by Skeat
Event Date 13/11/2023
Author: maa

Description (Labels & Markings)
Printed number '31D' pasted to object. These were the numbers supplied to Skeat by von Hügel as noted in the Skeat correspondence
Event Date 15/11/2023
Author: Guey-Mei Hsu

Context (Amendments / updates)
Boat and sail reassembled for photography with the assistance of Professor Maznah Mohamad, Head of the Department of Malay Studies, National University of Singapore. However, not all items were firmly identified and their positions on the model may not be accurate.
Deck house decorated with meru designs (sacred mountain) or stylised foliage and bamboo shoots
Event Date 15/11/2023
Author: rachel hand

Context (Display)
Metal wire removed from oars indicating a previous display history prior to 1990
Event Date 15/11/2023
Author: rachel hand

Description (Labels & Markings)
'PRAHU AYAM' written in pencil on the starboard bow near the prow.
An old paper label noted '415/ Prahu ayam' on the bow.
Event Date 15/11/2023
Author: rachel hand

Description (Labels & Markings)
Old paper or parchment label with '81' written in faded ink, on top of the deckhouse. Unknown origin, possibly from the collector's notes
Event Date 15/11/2023
Author: rachel hand

Description (Physical description)
A single-masted wooden model Prahu ayam with cockerel's head prow, and deck house decorated with meru designs (sacred mountain) or stylised foliage and bamboo shoots. Rectangular pieced railings 'dandan' over the stern. Detached mast with rectangular cotton cloth sail (.2) Rudder detachable and secured with pins (.3). Two detached sweeps or oars (.4-5) but no separate steering oar present. Three desk boards detached (.6-8) and a curved element with wooden pin at base (.9-10) of unknown use; and a strut with U-shape at top, resembling an oarlock and possibly for a steering paddle (.11). The location of a rectangular board with a curved top, and two in holes in the base cannot be located on the model (.12).

Remains of pencil lines on exterior of deckhouse indicating manufacture and earlier designs
Event Date 15/11/2023
Author: rachel hand