Han Jiang Ancestral Temple

Saturday, March 13 2010

WINNER of the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation 2006 [read here (Penang temple wins Unesco award, Star Online, 12.09.06)] for its detailed restoration in accordance to international charters for heritage conservation, the Han Jiang Ancestral Temple serves as the heart of Teochew culture in Penang.

Following the influx of Teochew immigrants from China to Penang in 1800s, the Teochew kongsi was formed in 1855 when six pioneers of their community bought a property at Lebuh Beach and in 1869 moved to its present site at Lebuh Chulia. This kongsi became the predecessor of today’s Penang Teochew Association (read here for more on its history).

"The association established the temple in 1870 and is the only Teochew-styled temple in George Town. The original temple building took the form of si dian jing (four-point gold), referring to the gables of the four-hipped roofs forming a quadrangle around the small inner atrium. As the Penang Teochew community became more affluent, a Chinese-style gate building was erected in 1890 in a style that was more ornate than the original temple building. The Han Jiang Ancestral Temple houses the altar of the Teochew patron deity, the Taoist God of the North, and the ancestral tablets of deceased Teochews according to Confucian tradition. Signifying the high status of patron saint, the temple portal features three pairs of doors instead of one. In accordance with Teochew architecture and feng sui beliefs, the temple façade is plain but the decorations inside are richly ornate – the plain and modest exterior conceals and conserves inner wealth and beauty". (Malaysian Institute of Architects)

An interesting point to note is the comprehensive information system that the association has placed in its site. Very detailed in its presentation and facts provided about the temple and the restoration process, its spans across the inner walls of the building area. View slideshow below.

Also fascinating are cultural revitalisation efforts that have concurrently happened with the physical restoration. The conservation of intangible heritage here refers to the revival of Teochew culture and the mobilisation of its community towards cultural heritage conservation, with the temple as the centre of activities. These efforts include reviving the Teochew opera, cuisine and cultural activities.