Galle Maritime Archaeological Museum:

Epitome of an archaeological legacy

by Sajitha PREMATUNGE

Remember the 'Ghost from the Grand Banks'? Science fiction has provided a glimpse of how intriguing our own history could be in hundreds or even thousands of years from now. If you know the surprises that real shipwrecks have to offer you would be amazed. Fact is often more awe-inspiring than fiction. The Galle Maritime Archaeological Museum - established by the Ministry of Cultural Affairs and National Heritage - was recently opened by President Mahinda Rajapaksa. And being the only such museum in the whole of South Asia it has surprises in every corner.

The Dutch warehouse which houses the museum

Some artefacts displayed in the museum

"The Galle Maritime Archaeological Museum is only a part of a bigger plan we have for Galle", said Dr. Sudharshan Senevirathna, Director General, Central Cultural Fund (CCF). The CCF is currently involved in the excavation and conservation work in Galle. According to Dr. Senevirathna although the museum was built on a special grant of Rs. 177 million made by the Government of the Netherlands, the renovation process was entirely a local effort. Like the Sigiriya Museum, the Galle Maritime Museum is also disabled friendly.

"One of the salient features of the museum is its depiction of how the society of the island was nurtured by the convergence of different cultures, trade and languages and how it affected the country's multi-cultural and multi-religious ethos", elaborated Dr. Senevirathna. Coast dwellers depend heavily on oceanic resources. Consequently, a whole new sub culture with different beliefs, language and traditions is born. The effects of the ocean are depicted in all the displays of the museum, from simple utensils to vivid large scale dioramas.

The museum is designed in such a way that it runs along three major themes - history of maritime archaeology, ocean-community interaction and various elements of (eastern and western) culture that nurtured Sri Lankan culture.

The museum, all 40,000 square feet of it, encapsulates a history dating back to 8000 BC. It exhibits artefacts, replicas, models, visuals, panels and electronic media representing seafaring traditions, maritime trade and sea life of the island, spanning some 7,000 years from pre-history to the colonial period.

A replica of the ship Avondster

It displays marine artefacts discovered during explorations made in the ocean floor around Sri Lanka. About 200 artefacts discovered from the remains of shipwrecks - some with a history as long as 800 years - are exhibited here. The findings are quite impressive, especially since only a small extent of the island's shoreline has been explored so far. Sri Lanka having been a popular port with many harbours of international standards, its sea floor is probably littered with shipwrecks.

A special gallery has been allocated to display a replica of the ship Avondster (1,659) (Evening star) that sank in the Galle harbour and its excavated artefacts. "All the replicas are made locally as well as most of the dioramas", said Dr. Senevirathna. The large diorama of the prehistoric community is from the 5000 BC Pallemalala.

The former Maritime Archaeological Museum was destroyed by the tsunami and the present museum has been established after a massive renovation process. The Dutch warehouse, which houses the museum - a two-storey building constructed in 1676 - is situated within the historic Rampart of Galle spanning over one quarter kilometre. The complex in itself is an important specimen of Dutch architecture, originally built to store cash crops and later also used as an administrative centre by the Dutch. With a history of more than 300 years it is the biggest and oldest building remaining intact in Sri Lanka.

"Since the museum was opened in March, four students have been streaming into the museum on a daily basis", said Gamini Dodamwala, Curator, Maritime Archaeology Museum, Galle.

A bronze statue of God Vishnu

Bronze seal of Nanadesin

"Since its opening, around 2,500 students have visited the museum from all over the country." The explanations are given by the trained archaeology graduate in charge of each gallery. "Since most of them were also involved in the renovation process they have first-hand experience and a feel of the whole museum."

One of the major attractions for archaeology enthusiasts is the archaeology laboratory established in the museum. "It displays how the artefacts are conserved. The visitors can get a hands-on experience of the conservation process and get a feel of the physical environment of a laboratory", said Curator Gamini Dodamwala.

The museum consists of a cafeteria, information centre that provides online and digital information, a reception hall with all facilities, recently used for programs of the Galle Literary Festival, a sales centre containing gift items and CCF publications and a children's activity centre for hands-on activity.

Free educational facilities provided by the museum would be potentially attractive to schoolchildren and tourist guides. Special lectures and group discussions could also be arranged. The museum is open from 9 am to 9 pm, seven days a week, except on special government holidays.