cabinets of curiosity in colombo

The Gangaramaya temple grounds are quite expansive and an inviting adventure to explore with a number of buildings housing various renditions of Buddha.

What caught my eye was the volume of curiosities jammed into every possible corner and cabinet. One area was declared a museum- basically a room crammed with paintings, antiques, statues and holy items.

 Another hall was filled with wall to wall cabinets full of everything you can imagine from elephant teeth to antique pocket watches, spittoons, gold, Buddha statues and clothing. I was told that these were donations, and on occasion an auction is held to raise money for orphaned children.

elephant teeth!