Colombo National Museum in Sri Lanka

[DhaDha]

Some pictures from the Colombo National Museum in Sri Lanka that I've been meaning to share.
Apologies for the poor quality of pictures. Everything was behind glass and quite dark.

Most of the weapons displays are represented and some other relevant pieces. Hope you enjoy.

[DhaDha]

More...

[DhaDha]

... and more.

[DhaDha]

Almost there...

[Ian]

DhaDha:

Thanks for these most interesting pictures. I see the kastana is listed as a court sword for people of nobility, largely ornamental in its use.

Ian.

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

Salaams Dha Dha Thanks for posting those important pictures of old relics. Although no mention of the use of Kastane by Mudaliers ...The equivalent of the Civil Service Officers.. It is broadly accepted that the Kastane became a badge of office and not a weapon as such..and at roughly the time the Dutch came to rule.
You can see the wealth of detail in Forum Library at http://www.vikingsword.com/vb/showthread.php?t=18111 on the Kastane

[ariel]

Were there in the Museum truly fighting swords or just the kastanes?
And, BTW, any Urumis?

Sri Lanka was a relatively peaceful society, but the absense of fighting implements in a major museum is strange.

[DhaDha]

Were there in the Museum truly fighting swords or just the kastanes?
And, BTW, any Urumis?

Sri Lanka was a relatively peaceful society, but the absense of fighting implements in a major museum is strange.


Not that I saw...

[Ibrahiim al Balooshi]

It seems a lot of artifacts were relocated (stolen?) by either of the three invaders I'm afraid... Slowly they are being returned I am told.