NATIONAL MUSEUM OF THE MALDIVES, MALÉ. PHOTO: ANN PROCTOR – TAASA Review June 2012

A catalogue, published to coincide with the opening of the new building, mentions the aspiration that improved exhibition spaces will engender greater pride and knowledge of Maldivian culture amongst islanders themselves, as well as providing an enriching experience for foreign visitors, most of whom are attracted to this tropical nation for more hedonistic pursuits – luxury resorts, diving and surfing.

It is also hoped that overseas museums will be encouraged to lend their works. The islands are thought to have been originally settled by people from Sri Lanka several hundred years BCE.

Similarities in language and script, in addition to geographic proximity, add credence to this theory...