Coinciding with the National Day of the Maldives, the country’s first National Museum threw open its portals on 19 November, 1952, to the public.

The three-storey building, located in the beautiful Sultan Park, is a window to the richness of Maldivian culture, containing pieces of her lengthy history. The museum displays evidence from the pre-Islamic days to the rule of Islamic monarchs.

The well-preserved Buddha head belonging to a period earlier than 11th century AD and found in the Dagoba in Alifu Atoll Thoddoo is a significant item of the pre-Islamic period. Others include a finely crafted hard coral stupa brought from Nilandhoo by the 1983 Thor Heyerdhal expedition. Stupas; limestone blocks, discs, and slabs; a decorated coral stone casket; and a lion figure all attribute to the existence of Buddhism in the ancient days.

Well-preserved coral stone stelae is reminiscent of Indonesian reliefs. ‘Rakasas’ of the East Javanese period is indeed one of the most remarkable exhibits at the museum. Found in Mali, the writing on the stone is believed to be of the 9th and 10th century AD. Another is the Five Faced Coral stelae with a Vajrayana Buddhist manthra inscribed on it in Nagari script which is among the oldest such inscriptions found in the Maldives dating back to the 9th-10th century AD.

The post-Islamic collection includes royal robes worn by the Sultans and Sultanas, palace furniture, royal antiquities like thrones and palanquins, royal sunshades, shoes, coins, ornaments, arms and armour, and utensils.

A 13th century engraved wooden plaque found in Hukuru Miskiiy is a standout. One of the most valuable exhibits, the wooden plaque gives an account of the work done by Sultan Ahmed Shihaabuddheen in building the Hukuru Miskiiy with a brief history of the mosque. Another wooden plaque comes from the Royal Palace which was placed above one of its gateways.

Furniture include royal chairs used by Sultan Muhammad Shamsuddheen III, a beautiful carved table with chairs showing typical Sri Lankan peacock designs, a palanquin used by Sultan Muhammed Shamsuddheen III on ceremonial occasions, a small high bed originally kept at Medhuziyarraiy, special chairs and table used by Sultan Muhammad Fareed I while receiving foreign dignitaries, a stone bed used by Sultan Ibrahim Nooraddheen Iskandar to receive oil massages, a carved bed together with a white umbrella, and the a Haiykolhu or Ceremonial Umbrella.

Others include textiles such as robes, coats and trousers, ceremonial dresses and gowns, turbans, headscarves, and sarongs. Of these the Feyli Kolhu worn by the valiant Sultan Ghaazee Mohammed Thakurufaanu-al-A"z"am shows the high level of craftsmanship attained by Maldivian weavers in the 16th century making it one of the museum’s most valuable items. Turbans of various kinds - some ornamental, others simple, ladies garments, gold embroidered slippers and belt used for official occasions, and kerchiefs and mats of elaborate designs are all fine examples of Maldivian artistry.

Jewellery is another important exhibit including bangles, necklaces, rings, belts, and charm boxes worn by the royalty. Old elongated and the more recent round coins, Chinese plates with intricate designs and motifs, royal trays, large lacquered container which served food, wooden boxes with lacquer work designs, bronze jugs, tea pots, incense containers, and spittoons complete the list of utensils used.

Among the weaponry displayed, swords are prominent as they were often used by Sultans for different purposes. 3 shields, 5 rifles and 3 pistols, a collection of staves commonly used in martial arts, lances, and a ‘folisa’ used to fire cannons are other interesting exhibits.

It has been 50 long years now since inception and the National Museum continues to provide each visitor with a treasure trove of information about the nation’s past, thereby protecting the historical heritage of the Maldives.
Photos and source: Courtesy of: National Centre for Linguistic and Historical Research, Malé.