According to Ms. Margery Kirkpatrick who arranged the exhibition, many of the artifacts were brought by refugees from the Taipen rebellion.

These people had "no hope of return to China" she said, and the things they brought with them became the only link to their homeland.

Even though many Chinese turned to Christianity and they opened their first church as far back as 1874, many kept Chinese religious items as a memory, she said at the opening of the exhibition Wednesday.

Among the exhibits are a set of Chinese Egg Shell ware, tea pots from Ting-a-Lee, a black ceremonial jacket showing gold and silver buttons made with eight cent pieces dated 1905, and a more modern Cheong Sam dress from 1950.

There is also a chain with an old Chinese good luck charm inscribed with the words 'Long life, prosperity', as well as statuettes depicting various gods.

Kirkpatrick explained the interesting histories of some of the objects.

One is a piece of bark or leaf used by the migrant grandmother of Noreen Fitz, which she used to wet and put in her hair to keep it in place. She would sit behind a curtain all day and only see a few chosen people, Kirkpatrick related.

Most probably this is due to the fact that this was often the custom among ladies in China, she said.

Another item of particular interest is a pre-1860s platter depicting a Phoenix bird surrounded by a floral pattern.

This item has been inherited by Kirkpatrick herself, and how it came into her family's possession is a mystery as the Phoenix symbol only appeared on items belonging to the Chinese Emperor.

She also presented a preview version of her new book entitled "Descendants of the Dragon - A Who's Who of Guyanese of Chinese Ancestry 2002". She has spent 18 years researching this book, which is an overview of many Guyanese Chinese, among other things.

Also present and participating in the opening was Chinese Ambassador, Mr. Song Tao, whose embassy has donated pictures depicting various aspects of life in China today.

Praising the Chinese community's history in Guyana, he said he hoped this would "encourage Chinese to work with other ethnic groups to make more contributions to this country".

Labour Minister, Dr. Dale Bisnauth was also at the opening.