In the fortified UNESCO heritage site of Galle Fort lies an interesting Dutch-era house on Leyn Bann Street. It is known as the Historical Mansion Museum. This house is the property of Abdul Gaffar. Inspired by Nawab Ali Khans (Nizams Prime Minister) private collection in Hyderabad Salarjung Museum, Abdul Gaffar decided to exhibit his own private collection as well.
This collection ranged from items of the Dutch East India Trading Company (VOC), to artefacts from Portugese, Dutch and English rule, as well as antiques not in use anymore. All these items came from a carefully constructed private collection which spanned over 40 years.
The Dutch house in the Galle Fort chosen for this enterprise is itself of historic value. It is fashioned with a typical central courtyard and the refurbishment included the most authentic forms of restructuring. The front entrance is graced by an old well of Dutch styling, near which lies a stone slab with the inscription of the VOC.
Inside the house, collectibles of all kinds can be found. There is a section dedicated to items which featured greatly as local handicrafts in by gone eras. This includes intricate beeralu lace, which is an almost dying form of art now practiced marginally in Weligama and Galle. Jewellery, walking sticks, pill boxes, combs and handbags made out of turtle shell can also be found. This is an art that is no longer practiced as turtles have been placed under the protected species list.
Items made from buffalo horns like mirrors, combs, ornamental items and forks are displayed, together with ashtrays and miniature furniture fashioned out of porcupine quills.
A plethora of oil lamps ranging from fishermans lamps, house lamps, train lamps etc. are also displayed. Pipes, spectacles, cigarette lighters, snuff boxes as well as household and kitchen equipment used in the past can all be found here.
Browsing through the museum, where some items are actually for sale, is an interesting experience. Visitors staying in a
Galle hotel may be interested in visiting this unique and quaint museum. If you are seeking nearby accommodation, the Jetwing Lighthouse, one of the best
Galle hotels, is an excellent option.
