Paddle for dragon boat model
Maker
Rocky SS Wong
Date1995-2000
Object number00033516
NamePaddle
MediumWood, varnish
Dimensions60 mm x 11 mm, 4 mm
ClassificationsModels
Credit LineANMM Collection
DescriptionThis paddle was made as part of a fibreglass dragon boat model built by Rocky S S Wong in Australia. The paddles replace the dragon's claws. The boat itself is long and narrow, like a dragon, with its head and tail as decorative and symbolic features.HistoryIn the ancient Chinese sport of dragon boat racing, teams of 20 paddlers competed against each other, keeping time to the beat of a drum. The sport was promoted outside China in the 1980s to foster cultural awareness and friendship. It has since crossed cultural and age boundaries to become one of the fastest growing team sports in the world.
Dragon boat racing teams were formed around Australia after Western Australia competed in the Penang Dragon Boat Festival in 1980, and in 1991 Australia was a founding member of the International Dragon Boat Federation. Australians participated in the first World Championships in Yueyang, China in 1995.
Large traditional dragon boats are made of wood. In 1976, the Hong Kong Tourist Board developed moulds for fibreglass dragon boats and exported them and their equipment to encourage the development of dragon boat racing as a sport overseas.
Rocky S S Wong was a painter and art tutor in China before coming to Australia in 1979. Finding it difficult to live off his art, he diversified his skills to work in events, mainly in the Chinese community. He has been part of the Australian Chinese dragon boat racing scene since it started, helping to organise the races, make decorations for the boats and repair damage to the boats.
SignificanceThis small dragon boat racing paddle (as part of a fibreglass dragon boat model) is important in highlighting the increasing popularity of dragon boat racing in Australia from the 1980s onwards.
1999
