“Not only were hapless cows bred and slaughtered here but you could also smell the fish hung out to dry.” That is the story this sculpture tells. We’re standing at the junction of Fish Lane with Malay Street. Look closely at the Cow and Fish Sculpture. This steel-rod artwork is part of the Marking George Town project. It’s a caricature by Reggie Lee.
The Cow and Fish Sculpture represents the boundary between two communities. These communities existed side by side in the 19th century. North of Malay Street was a Malay village. The area had an abattoir. Cow and buffaloes were slaughtered there. South of Malay Street, towards the sea, lived mostly Chinese fishermen. They depended on the sea for their living.
Before land reclamation extended the shoreline, water’s edge was at Beach Street. At the Prangin River estuary, a market developed. It became known as Sia Boey meaning town’s end. People made salted fish and belachan there. They also mended nets and made basketware. Fish Lane got its name from these activities.
The sculpture depicts a butcher chasing a cow. The cow is about to be slaughtered. A housewife chases a cat. The cat ran away with a fish. This scene captures the essence of the area’s history. The Cow and Fish Sculpture tells a tale of two distinct cultures. It highlights their coexistence in old George Town. It reminds us of the area’s transformation over time. The sculpture is a tribute to George Town’s multicultural heritage. It’s a reminder of the past.