Chinese Shoe , HMCS PROTECTOR

Details

ProvenanceThe shoe was collected by crew of South Australia's colonial vessel HMCS Protector in 1900 when it was sent to support the British Empire in quelling the Boxer Rebellion.

In 1900, in what became known as the Boxer Rebellion (or the Boxer Uprising), a Chinese secret organization called the Society of the Righteous and Harmonious Fists led an uprising in northern China against the spread of Western and Japanese influence.

Protector was South Australia's colonial warship and the great pride of the colony. It was ordered from Britain and arrived at Semaphore in 1880 as one of the most heavily armed vessels of its type afloat. It was instructed to protect the colonial coastline against possible attack from rival European forces but as these never eventuated it was used for coastal patrol, rescue, official functions and public events. With its arrival, the South Australian Navy became organised. When the Boxer Rebellion broke out, the people of South Australia insisted on the British Government accepting the assistance of Protector. Eventually Britain agreed and Protector sailed to China as part of a colonial contingent. By the time they arrived there was very little war action left. The ship departed with great public fanfare and was welcomed home the same way. The shoe was collected by a member of Protector's crew and donated by Mrs F. ThompsonSignificanceDespite not participating in battle, the Protector's voyage to China was one of the most significant of its career. Crew brought back souvenirs from this exotic port of call and for many South Australians, the mission marked a coming of age for the colony. The museum collection includes several other objects brought back as souvenirs from China by Protector's crew.DescriptionTurquoise, white and brown cloth shoe with thickened white sole. Hand-stitched and made for a Chinese woman with bound feet.Date of Creationc1900MaterialCloth
|tape
|dyes
Accession NumberHT 2005.0756

Connections

CollectionHMCS Protector

Image Credits

Image FilenameHT2005-0756_CI5336.jpgCopyrightHistory Trust of South AustraliaLicenseCC-0PhotographerJames Bateman

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