In Singapore, the rousing sound of drums and cymbals indicates that a lion dance performance is about to begin in the vicinity. While this athletic performance is still familiar here (especially during Chinese New Year), what is lesser known is that the lion dance costumes are increasingly hard to find.
For troupes seeking good quality, attractive and lightweight lion heads for their performances, there is only one man they would trust – Henry Ng, who is believed to be the last remaining lion head maker in Singapore.
A self-taught artisan, Ng has spent the last 50 years honing his craft and making lion heads the traditional way – by hand, a rarity in this ultra-modern country. In Singapore, it is not difficult to find a lion dance master, but it is near impossible to find a lion head master craftsman, he said.
His creations are so distinct that regular performing troupes can easily recognise his work; many Singaporeans who grew up watching lion dance performances would have seen his creations, even if they do not realise it.
