Chinese Federation Arch

Title: Chinese Federation Arch

Date: 1/1/1901

Material: Photographic paper

Provenance: Melbourne

Courtesy of the National Library of Australia

Description: This black and white photograph captured celebrations of Federation surrounding the Chinese Arch on Swanston st. Melbourne. Seen in the foreground are hundreds of people facing away from the camera. In the background is the Chinese Federation Arch two large pillars in the architectural pagoda style, with flags and lanterns.

Significance: This object represents the extent of the Chinese community at the time of Federation. These residents which contributed to the celebrations of nationhood would be excluded from parliament and denied civil liberties.