|
Established in 1778 by U.M.C. Rademacher under the auspices
of the Batavia Association of Arts and Sciences, it offers
historical, prehistorical, archaeological and ethnographic
aspects of Indonesia through its extensive collection of
artifacts and relics which date as far back as to the Stone
Age.
It has one of the most complete collections of bronzes and
ceramics dating back to the Han, Tang and Ming Dynasties.
The Museum has one of the finest numismatic collections
in the world, including cloth and money which was used on
several islands until recently.
The religious art section is filled with statuary and sculpture
salvaged from sites of Hindu, Buddhist and Islamic edifices.
Its collection of cultural instruments, household utensils,
arts and crafts provide an introduction to the life of the
various ethnic groups which populate Indonesia.
This museum is popularly known as Gedung Gajah or "Elephant
Building" because of the stone elephant offered by King
Chulalongkorn of Thailand in 187 1, placed on the front
lawn of the building.
|
