Water ladle similar to those used on TU DO
Maker
Hong Nguyen
Date1995-1997
Object number00031104
NameLadle
MediumCoconut shell, bamboo, tar
DimensionsOverall: 115 x 130 x 496 mm, 0.25 kg
Display Dimensions: 110 x 140 x 500 mm
Display Dimensions: 110 x 140 x 500 mm
ClassificationsTools and equipment
Credit LineANMM Collection
HistoryThe Australian National Maritime Museum has a Vietnamese refugee boat called TU DO (VNKG1062ADC) in its collection which brought 31 passengers from Kien
Giang Province to Australia in November 1977.
The refugees left Vietnam with few possessions making it difficult to tell their story. To rectify this Australian Museum National Maritime Museum curator Helen Trepa and Tan Thanh Lu, the builder and captain of TU DO, travelled to Vietnam in 1997 to seek out and purchase a collection of items that would bring the voyage to life. In this they were assisted by Hung Nguyen, a friend of Mr Lu who helped him prepare his escape.
They selected items that were typical of those used on TU DO in 1977 mainly dealing with sleeping, fishing and cooking. Whenever possible second hand items from the 1970s were purchased to better reflect the era. Items unavailable second hand were purchased new.
These items represent the communal life on board TU DO and provide insight into Mr Lu's preparations for the escape.
