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Entrance
of the Islamic Museum of Sarawak - Starpic
Picture
is courtesy of the The Star
The
first museum of its kind in the region, this cultural gem
houses important artifacts that chronicle the development of
Islamic culture within Sarawak and throughout the
Malay-Indonesian archipelago.
The
museum is the proud custodian of the oldest extant Islamic
artifact in Malaysia, an inscription stone found in
Terengganu dating back to AD1302. And within its collections
are curios from as far a field as China, India and
Persia. The museum's main gallery houses artifacts and
manuscripts which recount the arrival of Islam to the
Malay-Indonesian archipelago.
The
secondary gallery boasts an impressive collection of Islamic
architecture and decorative arts found in mosques, palaces
and forts dating from the early 7th to 8th centuries. Of
particular interest are "Jubin" or ceramic tiles
dating from the Safavid period of Persia in the 17th
century. Also on display are wonderfully intricate tiles
from Syria and Turkey. The museum's collection of ceramics
extends to Persian earthenware bowls, and ' jars, mugs,
bowls, plates, pitchers and vases with the earliest dating
back to the 10th century.
A
section is also devoted to Muslim scholars who made great
advances in various fields of learning. Another section is
devoted to Muslim astronomers and medics. Items displayed
include astro-navigational instruments such as astrolabes,
which were early astro-navigation instruments.. Rare,
ancient science and literary religious manuscripts as well
as outstanding Islamic calligraphy dating back to the 15th
century are also on display. Other
exhibits of interest include Islamic weaponry dating back to
the 17th century, such as keris (kris), daggers, swords and
firearms from the Ottoman period, and body armour from the
Persian Qajar period (1840-1850). There are also coins of
various periods and items of trade on display. Admission
is free |