Imphal, February 18, 2010: Gold masks ancient time unearthed from Lamkoiching and Chingmeirong Cheiraoching were displayed at the new gallery of the state Museum opened today.

The gold masks (Sanagi Komai) of ancient time were unearthed from Lamkoiching and Chingmeirong Chairoaching in 1980 and 2002 respectively.

Commissioner (art and culture), P Bharat and director of art and culture department, Dr Kh Sorojini graced the opening function of the gallery at the State Museum as chief guest and president respectively.

Joint director, Dr K Sobita of art and culture department, in her key note address of the function, recalled that the state museum was opened in 1969 by the then Prime Minister of India, Indira Gandhi.

Since then, the museum has been preserving precious things of ancient time of Manipur.

However, she expressed concern over lack of awareness on the important of the museum by the people of the state.

With the objective of spreading awareness on the important of museum, the exhibition opened today and will continue till February 20 is being organised by the state art and culture.

The masks made up of gold displayed in the exhibition are the rarest of its kinds which would not be available in other museums and the treasury of Manipur.

The masks show the civilization of Manipur, she added.

Speaking as chief guest, P Bharat said, to place a gallery is a compulsory components of being a museum.

The gallery will add a quality to the state museum and authority will able to display precious items of olden times of the state to the people.

He also recalled that the construction of the gallery was started with Rs 10 lakh sanctioned by National Museum, Kolkata.

On the occasion, former assistant director of Manipur State Lottery, Leishangthem Chaoba also handed over old coins and stamps to the authority of the museum.

Comment