National museum (Maldives)

Established on the National Day of the Maldives, the first National Museum of the country was opened on November 11, 1952, by the Prime Minister at the time, Mohamed Amin Didi.

With the purpose of preserving history and calling upon a sense of patriotism among the people, the building values a large collection of historical artifacts, ranging from stone objects to fragments of royal antiquities from the pre-Islamic era to the rule of Islamic monarchs.

Building

The three-storied museum is located in the Sultan Park in Malé, which is part of the site of the Maldivian Royal Palace compound dating back to the 17th century. The two-storey "Us-gēkolhu" is also the only remaining structure of the palace demolished in 1968.

The interior of the museum has been retained from the days of the Sultanate, including the handwritten Qur'an engraved on the walls of the building.

Collections

A diverse collection of artifacts are displayed in the museum including relics from the foregone pre-Islamic period era, thrones, royal sunshades and furniture, costumes and shoes, coins, ornaments, arms and armor.

Others examples include textiles such as ceremonial dresses, turbans, fancy slippers and belts used on special occasions, mats and other creative embroidery.

"Highlights of the collections include:"

* A coral stone head of Lord Buddha, an 11th century piece from Alifu Thoddoo.
* A 13th century engraved wooden plank from Hukuru Miskiiy.
* The "Feyli Kolhu" worn by the Sultan Ghaazee Mohammed Thakurufaanu-al-A"z"am is a fine example of the intricate craftsmanship of the Maldivian weavers in the 16th century.

Preservation

A lot of effort is made by the Maldivian Centre for Linguistic and Historical Research to expand and preserve the present collection. Plans are also being made to add an extension to the Museum in order to ease the problems that are caused due to lack of space.

It has been over 50 years since the Museum has been established. The museum also acts as one of the natural attractions in Malé, as it is frequently visited by tourists, giving them an insight to the rich Maldivian culture and information about the nation's past.

ee also

* History of the Maldives
* Islam in the Maldives