The Galle National Museum, housed in one of the oldest buildings from the Dutch era in the Galle Fort, provides good insight into the traditional cultural heritage of the south with its wide range of anthropological artefacts. The south has long been a stronghold of folk drama, or “kolam”, and the museum has an excellent collection of masks which are an integral part of this performance. Good examples of now almost nonexistent traditional crafts such as tortoiseshell jewellery and handmade crocheted lace, along with tools and implements used in their manufacture are also on display. Artefacts from the Portuguese and Dutch colonial periods are prominently featured here and include ancient swords, firearms, an assortment of porcelain and earthenware and cooking implements.

Written by Jonathan Roelofsz for Travel Lanka Compass