The Ancient Civilisations Museum
The second level includes enthralling and inspiring galleries, such as the Singapore River Gallery, China Gallery, West Asia Gallet, South Asia Gallery and many more. The artefacts exhibited were carved by the finest skills of men, right down to subtle delicate details, such as fingers. The museum exudes a homely atmosphere, with dim lightings and a suitable temperature, making each visitor cosy and at ease. Not only was the ambience of each exhibition perfect in bringing out the setting and vibe, even the layout was ideal. Artefacts were placed in an orderly manner, allowing one to have a clearer understanding and background of each culture. Consequently, one would be able to appreaciate the change in culture from the past, to present, enhancing one's museum experience.
These were some of the many artefacts on display in the museum, such as the Multi-armed Quan Am (Right)
My experience to the Singapore River Gallery was definitely refreshing and pleasant. Demonstrating the inspiring story of early immigrants who lived and laboured on the Singapore River, it is a priceless expression of the cause that makes Singapore what it is today. Displaying an assortment of artefacts, from education, entertainment, to their everyday lives. Not only were there detailed descriptions beside each artefact, the gallery also exploits technology, such as interacting displays, which allows greater and a more comprehensive understanding of the artefacts presented in the museum, including their functions and importance in the past.
Examples of well crafted and preserved artefacts present in the Singapore River Gallery (Above)
An exmaple of an interacting display available at the museum (Below)
What caught my eye the most was the Tawkow. It was one of the most common modes of transport used by the people in Singapore in the 19th century. Despite the fact that people had limited resources in the past, it was incredible for them to use the existing materials to buid this crushy Twakow which was able to meet their demands. It is evident that they were rather innovative, and had a never-give-up mentality, an attitude that is absent in most of the cultures today, They wouldn't mind exerting large amount of energy just to row the boat to the other side while keeping themselves as well as their good and belongings dry. With this one artefact, it is no doubt we can witness and distinguish the way of life in the past.
The Twakow (Below)
All in all, this experience to the Ancient Civilisations Museum was a very enjoying, inspiring one. It allowed me to appreaciate the change from past to today, and understand the differences in lifestyle of our early ancestors and ours today. With the wide variety of artefacts available, this Ancient Civilisations Museum is an excellent introduction to the Lion City that first time visitors to Singapore cannot miss.
