View the original, larger copy of this image at the UWM website: http://collections.lib.uwm.edu/u?/agsphoto,4022
Date picture taken
1940s
Gallery
View the original, larger copy of this image at the UWM website: http://collections.lib.uwm.edu/u?/agsphoto,4022
Comments
That bamboo staircase is
That bamboo staircase is quite interesting. Anyone know its function?
Re: Likely the scene of a funeral
Hi there,
I believe the street in the photo is Queen Victoria Street in Central. The building by the left was (and still is) the current version of Central Market, with the old Central Fire Station at the back.
Traditionally local Chinese of conduct part of the funeral service at home. The staircase of the shophouse by the right could not accommodate the passage of the coffin. The bamboo staircase's function is primarily for moving the coffin from upper floor down to the hearse as shown in the foreground. Usually, there is usually a march to a funeral parlor, or straight to the cemetery. The wreaths on carts shown are likely what's prepared for the march.
My 2 cents,
T
Chinese Burial Customs
Please also see here