This tomb marked as Y on the map belonging to Chew Geok Leong is an example of a “live” tomb.

photo by Jon Wong

No,  the Sikh Guards don’t come alive at night.  A “live” tomb is one where the deceased played a part in the design of his final resting place while still alive. In this case, Chew – a Chinese physician –   conceptualised an elaborate design which included his own modest terra cotta army of 2   Sikh Guards . A “live” tomb is  usually undertaken to ensure the well being of future generations on the recommendation of a Chinese Feng Shui master after a reading.

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