The Folk Heritage Museum of Islamabad, frequented by a large number of people, preserves the traditional culture and offers an enchanting journey through splendid civilizations of all the four provinces.
Catering to the pluralistic society of Islamabad, the museum documents the change in culture and tradition starting from the Indus civilization to postmodern times.
A walk down the galleries gives one the impression of passing through different areas of the country in different ages. “Pottery through the Ages” displays the ancient pottery being used in all the four provinces, including “chulha” (cooking stove), “handi” (cooking pot), “garha” (pitcher), “kanali” (large plate) and “matko” (grain container).
Statues and sculptures of men and women wearing traditional Balochi costumes and jewellery, displayed in life-sized houses gives one the feel of visiting a family in Balouchistan. Folktales of romance which have survived the test of time including “Heer Ranjha” , “Hani Shah Mreed” and “Dhola Maro” have also been reenacted in a cultural setting.
Museum shops, selling a wide variety of mementos including folk furniture, crafted utensils, wood carvings, dresses, shoes and purses are open during visiting hours.
For the last 2 years a large number of people, approximately 1500 per day, have started visiting the museum, Mazhar Hussain, a shopkeeper inside the museum said. Shabnam, a house wife from Murree, who had come with her family said, “We had heard a lot about the heritage museum, this time we decided to visit because it gives a lot of information about the culture and tradition of the four provinces of Pakistan.”
