Meghalaya State Museum

Shillong Meghalaya

#19 Among Things To Do in Shillong

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Tags : Museum

Timings : 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM Closed on Saturday and Sunday

Time Required : 45 mins

Entry Fee : INR 5 per person.

How to Reach : The museum is close to Police Bazaar in Shillong. Visitors can walk to the museum from Police Bazaar or hire a cab.

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Also Refered As:

Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum

Meghalaya State Museum, Shillong Overview

Capt. Williamson Sangma State Museum, also known as the Meghalaya State Museum, stands as a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Meghalaya's tribes, specifically the Khasi, Jaintia, and Garo communities. Established in 1975 and named after the pioneering Captain Williamson Sangma, the museum showcases over 2500 exhibits, offering a deep dive into the indigenous lifestyle, practices, customs, and traditions of these vibrant communities. With its diverse collections, the museum has become a vital repository, fostering an understanding and appreciation of Meghalaya's cultural heritage.

1. Khasi and Jaintia Gallery

The Khasi and Jaintia Gallery mesmerize visitors with intricate wooden carvings and traditional handloom materials. Exhibits include beautiful examples of wooden carving, showcasing the craftsmanship (Read More)of these communities. Traditional handloom materials, adorned with silver ornaments and earthen pots, offer a glimpse into the daily lives of the Khasis and Jaintias.

2. Garo Gallery

The Garo Gallery transports visitors into the heart of Garo culture with a bamboo hut model known as Nokpante. This intricately crafted model showcases the architectural and cultural nuances of Garo b (Read More)achelor restrooms. Complete with wooden platforms and supporting poles, the hut reflects the community's unique lifestyle.

3. Musical Instruments and Weapons

Explore the gallery's musical instruments, from string instruments like Marynthing and Diutara to drums (Ksing) and flutes (Tangmuri). The display also features an array of weapons, including arrows, (Read More)spears, swords, shields, and guns, providing insight into the tools used by these tribes throughout history.

4. Dress and Ornaments

Experience the vibrant attire of the Garo community, including the Bara Marang shawl and the Re King women's dress. The gallery also displays an array of ornaments, such as Ringitok, Ripok Do' Katchni (Read More), Seng – Ki, and more, each with its unique cultural significance.

5. Utensils and Pottery

Dive into the daily life of Meghalaya's tribes through the diverse array of utensils and pottery on display. From brass bowls (U khiew Rynong) to wooden vessels for grinding chutney (Siang tie), each (Read More)item carries a story of utility and tradition. The museum allows visitors to purchase some of these traditional items.

6. Cutting Tools and Weapons

Discover the cutting tools and weaponry used by hunter-gatherer and fishing communities in Meghalaya. From the curved doa (Wait Kynda) to the fishing spear (U Sum Ba Dung Dohkha Ha Wah), the exhibits (Read More)highlight the ingenuity and craftsmanship of these communities in creating tools for various purposes.