Georgian medieval museum in Mestia, Upper Svaneti

The Mestia Museum of History and Ethnography in Upper Svaneti was established in 1936. With a magnificent view of the surrounding mountains, this small museum holds an interesting collection of artifacts of Georgia, but specifically to this unique isolated region, home of the Svans.

The location is distinctly medieval and the icons, hunting implements, cookware, furniture, art, military armour, and clothing reflect its ancient history. The black and white photographs of local highlanders in everyday situations are fascinating. The museum also has one of the oldest New Testament manuscripts in Georgia and a rich collection of 9-11th century parchments.

The archeological and ethnographical materials are varied and well displayed (most with English as well as Georgian labels). A guide is also available to explain the background and history of the collection. The museum used to be in a Svan tower, the iconic towers of the region, but moved to a new building in 2003. There are three halls that wind around itself with ramps to each level, and steps to a lower section.

Amid the typical Svan collection of memorabilia are items, such as shields, armour, and saddles from Syria, Persia, Venice, and the Byzantine Empire.

Tourism documents say that, currently, there are 242 engraved and painted icons, 68 manuscripts, 192 pieces of armour, 292 pieces of metalwork, 650 wooden ethnographical objects, 421 pieces of jewelry and silverware, and 37 textiles. The museum also intends to add local artisans’ paintings and sculptures.

MARTINA NICOLLS is an international aid and development consultant, and the author of:- The Shortness of Life: A Mongolian Lament (2015), Liberia’s Deadest Ends (2012), Bardot’s Comet (2011), Kashmir on a Knife-Edge (2010) and The Sudan Curse (2009).

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