Hi my fellow Architecture+Design community,
Greetings from Sri Lanka. I hope your are doing well right now. Recently I had the opportunity to observe the architectural features of many tourist resorts and old forts and buildings. But it was not possible to present the internal objects and elements of a museum. That is why she and her daughter went to two museums in Galle city to see the unique elements of an ancient cultural mix that goes beyond architecture. Three museums of Galle city are located very close. But these will have to be published in several parts because the objects contained in them are diverse. However, it is certain that you can gain knowledge and understanding about the historical heritage of Sri Lanka from each of these contents.
The value of this national museum, which is located in the city of Galle, which has historical value, is very great. This building, which is controlled by the National Museums Department of Sri Lanka, is a Dutch era building belonging to the historical period. Dutch architecture can be well understood from the old roofs, tall pillars and the shapes of the windows. Ornamental flowers have been planted in front of the National Museum to add beauty.
After reaching the entrance of the Galle National Museum, you can see some wooden cupboards created in ancient times. They are still strong from the past because of the perfect wooden art of that time.
We bought tickets from the ticket counter and entered the Galle National Museum building. Local tourists are generally prohibited from taking photographs inside a museum in Sri Lanka. However, there was no obstacle to take photos in the National Museum. I was informed about it by the relevant officials even before entering. A wall inside displays the layout, history, etc. of the Galle National Museum. It is useful for children as well as adults who are looking for educational knowledge. The gallery plan number one shows the history of Galle city, the second shows the objects related to traditional industries, the third shows the low country dances and finally the China-Sri Lanka friendship exhibition studio. Although this museum was founded on March 26, 1986, it is said that this building is an old one.
There was silence inside the Galle National Museum. Also, the light inside showed half dimness. Strong wooden doors and ceilings made in bygone eras were seen. In fact, it was a relief to stay inside.
Several Buddha statues created in the 14th - 19th centuries AD were seen in one chamber. The chamber also housed standing and sitting Buddha statues made of metal, a Buddha statue depicting the Thai traditional bronze and gold-plated land contact seal, and a carved Buddha statue with a ring on the back made of ivory.
In this museum, many booths are very attractively placed to display various objects. Relic caskets made of wood and metal can be seen here. It is clear that in the past, wood industry and metal industry had flourished in Sri Lanka.
Another unique feature found in the Galle Royal Museum is the ivory carving showroom. Humans have used ivory to create various sculptures and ornaments since ancient times. There is a high price for ivory creations in the market. Since the Middle Ages, Sri Lanka has been famous for exporting ivory to other Asian, European and Arab countries.
The city of Galle was famous for the export of ivory carvings because it was located at a maritime trade hub. Due to the quality of ivory, the demand for these has increased. Historically and religiously important events are shown in these precious works created during the Portuguese and Dutch colonial times. Carved panels, Buddha statues, reliquaries, jewelry boxes, and a chalk kiln can be seen here. Among them, the necklace decorated with elephant images is a unique product of great value.
Poems, events etc. in Sri Lankan Buddhist history were written in ola books. In another room we saw the tools used to write ola books when Sumangala Thero, one of the greatest poets of our country, lived between 18-19 AD. Indeed these are cultural heritages.
The roof of the Galle National Museum Building does not appear so high. But after entering the roof, the roof shows a high nature. The roof has been strengthened using beams against and length. In view of the walls, the roof is a triangular shape.
The map of the historic Galle Fort is pictured here, any visitor can gain an understanding of the city plan.
Several varieties of Water vessels, between the 18th and 19th centuries, can be seen. Meanwhile, the varieties of Water vessels with Handle, Foreign Water vessels were seen. Although not directly involved in architecture, the brass and metal carvings are indulge in architecture. The commitment of castfeit commitment to create these shapes cannot be considered.
After that, in the chamber we saw the brass pots which were created in an interesting shape. Their long, tall and round branches create attraction and wonder. It is our privilege to see such ancient cultural artworks.
The light yellow and light orange light adds beauty to the National Museum building. In fact, it should be mentioned that such light bubbles as well as the light reflection which is the emitter is an important architectural element.
Brass lamps, a masterpiece of Sri Lankan brass carving art, caught my attention next. Hanging oil lamps and hanging oil lamps with nine wicks holders can be seen in that room. You can also see that they are truly amazing creations.
After that, traditional brass items used for religious activities were seen in the chamber. An incense burner, a candlestcik, a camphor burner, hanging oil lamp and hanging oil lamp with three wicks are to be seen. One of the incense burners has a unique shape. Other creations are also interesting.
Another industry that developed in Sri Lanka in the past is the lacquered subjects industry. During the Kandy era, this industry continued well. Beetle trays, Tray, powder container, cup, grain measure etc. Lacquered subjects can be seen. Circular shape can be seen in these creations in different scale. The colors applied are also interesting.
I observed some painted earthen ware created using distinctive designs. The technology used for it is really beautiful. There is also evidence that eave tiles have been created in the past using images of imaginary animals that reflect the unique identity of Sri Lankan architecture. These eave tiles may have been used for shrines at that time. These animal figures are imaginary but show majesty.
During the 17th and 18th centuries AD, Chinese, Dutch and Arabic ceramics were widely used in Sri Lanka. Accordingly, in the tableware room, you will see Chinese pot with spout, bellermine jars, Arabia's rice plates, vine container and Dutch polycrome dish. It may also be mentioned that the star with half moon is an Arab creation. Also, their creations can be mentioned without hesitation by the designs unique to China.
The jewel box booth is the next creation to be seen. In this booth you can see jewelry boxes made of tortoise shells, an amazing jewelry box made of pegs, manjusa jewelry made of tortoise shells and carved jewelry boxes made of wood. These are old ones belonging to the 18th and 19th centuries AD. Jewelery making was a unique industry in Sri Lanka during the Kandy period. At that time, various ornaments were created for royal families and heads of state.
I was amazed to see how many beautiful creations can be made from turtle shells. We can create such creations by putting it into mental imagination. Nowadays man has become busy and creative mind does not work. You may have seen jewelry boxes made from tortoise shells before. These tortoise shells were used in the past to make a variety of combs.
The types of swords used from the 17th century to the 19th century AD can be seen next. The Indian Patha sword is too long and it is not even easy to carry. Also here you can see Portuguese as well as Dutch swords. The hilt of the swords is unique in that they have various animal designs engraved on them.
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In the past, the attire worn by the head of the village, who were the people of the wealthy class in Sri Lanka, is as above. This person, known as Arachchi, lived very famously. The kastana sword he used fit the suit better.
I hope to publish three episode of National museum of Galle. This is first episode and see you soon.
