Museum Manusia Purba, Gilimanuk

The Museum Manusia Purba, at the western end of Bali, was established in 1990s. It all began with an archaeological expedition of Dukuh Cekik in 1962, by R.P. Soejoeno from the Bali Archaeological Service. The expedition estimated that approximately 2,000 years ago, the stone age man dwelled on the site of the museum.

Gilimanuk, Since 1963, Indonesia prehistoric experts Drs. R.P. Soejono conduct research and excavation on an ongoing basis until 1985. Based on the results of research that has been done on finding objects that come from the Gulf beach Gilimanuk, alleged that the current museum location is a fishing village from prehistoric in Bali.

Museum of Ancient Man Gilimanuk, standing in an area of 5 hectares, with a three-story building. Each floor of archaeological objects which are different. On the first floor there are sarcophagi and ancient human skeleton. Ancient human skeleton was found in the form or take a position like a baby in the womb. This is associated with believe moment in which human life consists of three cycles, namely birth, life and death.

While on the second floor saved bronze trowel used for agriculture and hunting. This trowel along with beads, pottery and axes, used as a preparation for the hunt.

According to I Ketut Gede Bagus Ari Susila, coordinator of the Museum of Ancient Gilimanuk, bronze trowel there are two types of heart-shaped and oval shaped. This trowel is used as a means of farming and hunting. In addition, the trowel is also used as grave. Man who died equipped trowel, because ancient belief, after death there is still life in the spirit world, said Ari Susila.

Meanwhile, on the third floor of the museum found the kitchen equipment are like pottery, plates, shells as well as accessories such as beads and earrings, shells findings indicate that these prehistoric, humans have been consuming shellfish

Ancient objects are thought to originate from prehistoric around 600 BC until 800 years after AD. The existence of these objects found in the area Gilimanuk on an area of about 20 hectares.

Museum of Ancient Man is in addition to visit for research, also frequented by the students when the holiday season. Surely the public is expected to be more empowered existence of this museum. (Gus)