Vices
CHEW HEE CHUAN'S
ACCOUNT
The life of a coolie was difficult and tiring, which led them to misuse opium as a temporary relief. Supported by the British Colonial Government, opium licences were given to opium houses and it was a popular narcotic among the Chinese.
Coolie smoking opium
Chinese coolies often used opium as a temporary relief from their hardships. In 1847, there were an estimated number of 15,043 habitual users and the majority were Chinese coolies.
National Museum of Singapore. Chinese coolies smoking opium. Late 19th - early 20th century. Image size: L8.9 x W13.9 cm. Postcard.
Item from the collection of the National Museum of Singapore.
Opium smoking
Coolies that are living in temporary lodging houses tend to pick up the habit of smoking opium as a relief. However, some experience the vicious cycle of not being able to pay rent due to their opium addiction.
National Museum of Singapore. Chinese man smoking opium. 1980.
Image size: L8.8 x W13.7 cm. Postcard.
Item from the collection of the National Museum of Singapore.
Opium pipe
This is a long opium pipe used by the Chinese, allowing the distillation of opium pellets. The pellets are placed in the pipe and users will lie ground, heating the pipe over a lamp.
National Museum of Singapore. Opium pipe. Early 20th century.
Image size: H42.0 x W6.5 x D7.5cm. Mixed materials.
Item from the collection of the National Museum of Singapore.