The idea of a museum to house the many national treasures and ancient artifacts found around the islands in the Maldives was first mooted in 1952 and a museum was opened that year in a three storey building in Sultan Park, the only remaining building of the 17th century Maldivian royal palace. A smart new building put up in 2010 in the same premises now provides the ideal spaces and modern facilities to display and safeguard the artifacts from the country’s pre Islamic culture and thereafter to their best advantage. The old museum building is to be restored to bring out its original characteristics to give an idea as to how it may have looked during the time of the sultans. The new museum complex consists of two buildings separated by Sultan Park.
Among the museum’s permanent collection are Islamic era artifacts such as thrones and ceremonial palanquins dating back to the 12th century, ceremonial umbrellas, pieces of furniture used by members of the various royal families, ceremonial costumes worn by royalty and traditional clothing of various island people, textiles, head gear, ceremonial shoes and belts, jewellery, weaponry including 15th century cannons, wood work, models of traditional boats, traditional weights and measures, examples of ‘thundukuna’ the traditional mats of the country, embroidery, traditional lacquer ware with geometric patterns painted in black, blue, yellow and red dyes and some decorated with Islamic calligraphy and holy texts. The beautifully turned out treasures display the skills of traditional Maldivian crafts people through the ages.
The museum garden with shade trees, bougainvillea and water lily ponds provides a peaceful place to relax in and to get a respite from the tropical heat.
Unfortunately in an act of extreme vandalism in early 2012 about 30 artifacts of coral and limestone from the Maldives pre Islamic heritage was destroyed.
Have a very special experience at Adaaran Prestige Vadoo where beguiling scenery, days warmed by the tropical sun, a house reef teeming with tropical fish and peaceful unpolluted surroundings will certainly set the mood for that much longed for dream holiday. Stay in spacious, well appointed over water villas, some featuring Japanese design elements at this Maldives resort to experience privacy, direct access to the sea at any time of day and magnificent all day vistas of the Indian Ocean. Take advantage of the special offers at this Maldives Island Resort to have a truly fabulous break.
Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
