Context (Related Documents)
In the 14th Annual Report, Appendix II entitled "Skeat Collection", the object was given No. 413, under "7. Means of locomotion/All the objects included in this section are models." The object was described, "A Prahu naga, i.e. Dragon boat. Two masts, paddles and rudder. Both the bows and stern, which are rounded, are covered with square dandans, the former being decorated with a dragon's head. Length 27". Formerly used by Malay Sultans."
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)
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

Description (Physical description)
A Prahu naga, i.e. Dragon boat. Two masts, paddles and rudder. Both the bows and stern, which are rounded, are covered with square dandans, the former being decorated with a dragon's head.
Event Date 16/1/1987
Author: maa

Context (Amendments / updates)
While this item does appear to be Skeat I: 413, its length given on the card (33.0") differs considerable from the length as given in the Skeat Printed Catalogue I (27.0").

Event Date 16/1/1987
Author: maa

Description (Labels & Markings)
Old paper label notes "413/ P. naga".
Event Date 17/11/2023
Author: rachel hand

Description (Labels & Markings)
Printed number "31A" pasted to object. These were the numbers supplied to Skeat by von Hügel as noted in the Skeat correspondence.
Event Date 17/11/2023
Author: rachel hand

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.
Event Date 17/11/2023
Author: rachel hand

Description (Physical description)
Wooden two-masted model of a Prahu naga, Dragon boat (.1) with papered deck house. Both the bows and stern, which are rounded, are covered with square dandans, the former being decorated with a dragon's head.The square cotton cloth sails (.2-3) have wooden spars at top and base, and the lower spar is attached at c. 180 degree angles to the mast. Masts are inserted into mast supports with cross bars. Three sweeps/oars attached to the side of the boat, two on the starboard side, with presumably one missing. The rudder (.4) with long handle does not fit into the hole at the stern and may not belong to this boat.
The outer end of the dedans (railings)at the prow sits infront of the dragon head and thre are remains of paper suggesting some paper may have hung below the railings. The paper on the sides of the deskhouse is decorated with scalloped red and yellow bands, the port side partially detached.
Dragon crests and fore dedans are also decorated with paper overlays.
Event Date 17/11/2023
Author: rachel hand