This elaborate gilded helmet is from the Golden Dragon Museum’s collection of processional regalia used in the Bendigo Easter Fair processions, and dates from the 1880s.

This man’s head-dress, part of the General's costume, with mirrors around the front and gold dragons on top, features red and green pom-poms, a silk cloth drop at the back with cotton lining, and mother of pearl decorations. Ear protectors on each side are decorated with a pheasant design. Dragons are used to hold the pheasant feathers decoration. Purple tassels hang at each side. The helmet rises to a dome with elaborate gold decoration and another purple tassel.

All processional characters wore a hat, even those representing lower ranks, as anyone without a head covering exposed him or herself to danger. Hats with embroidered or jewel-like eyes could see danger, and mouths with bared teeth could ward off danger.

The General led the Chinese Easter parade from 1879. This highly regarded position has been equally shared by Chinese and European men. The Chinese in particular, considered it an honour to wear the costumes relating to the role of a high-ranking official. (Text taken from The 1880s Processional Regalia of the Bendigo Chinese Association, Golden Dragon Museum, 2010)

The Chinese arrived in Bendigo, Victoria, during the 1850s gold rush. In 1854, it was estimated that over 4,000 Chinese were on the gold fields. In 1871, the Chinese community joined the Bendigo Easter Fair and Procession (which began in 1869) to assist fundraising for charity. Providing music, theatre and acrobatic displays, the Chinese section of the Procession soon became the main attraction. This remarkable collection of 19th Century processional regalia has been preserved by the Chinese community in Bendigo and is held in the Golden Dragon Museum. It is not only a collection of world significance but, importantly, it contextualises and preserves the living heritage of both Victoria and China through the objects and through the ceremonies that continue to be practised today.

Further Information

The headdress, with attached feathers