Picture a kandar pole. This isn’t just any pole. It’s a story etched in steel. This is the Kandar sculpture. It stands as a tribute to Penang’s vibrant past.
The Kandar sculpture before you immortalizes a bygone era. It shows how nasi kandar was sold. Indian Muslims in Penang used this method. They balanced a kandar pole on their shoulders. Two huge containers dangled from it. These held rice meals and curries.
The name “nasi kandar” itself has origins here. “Nasi” means rice. “Kandar” refers to the pole.
The Kandar sculpture is one of 51 steel-rod sculptures. They are dotted all over George Town. They are part of the “Marking George Town” project. This project won UNESCO World Heritage site recognition.
Local artists designed the sculptures. Tang Mun Kian is one of them. He and others have backgrounds in comic books. Their art adds humor to the streets.
You can find the Kandar sculpture on Ah Quee Street. It graces the wall of an orange restaurant. The sculpture depicts the nasi kandar seller. It shows a slice of Penang’s history.
These steel sculptures offer more than art. They offer stories. Each sculpture tells a tale. It speaks of local life. It touches on Penang’s culture.
These sculptures are exposed to the elements. Some are on blackened walls. Others are blocked by parked cars. Yet, they continue to charm visitors.
The Kandar sculpture captures a moment in time. It reminds us of Penang’s culinary heritage. It links the past to the present. It enriches our understanding. The Kandar sculpture is more than just steel. It is a piece of Penang’s soul.