Women in Sri Lankan Sculpture and Painting

Torso of a Buddhist goddess

Buddhist goddesses--Sri Lanka

Dolomite figurines--Archaeological Museum, Anuradhapura--Sri Lanka

Among those sculptures which have been tentatively identified as consorts of Bodhisattvas or else female goddesses within the scheme of Buddhist worship, is this fragmentary yet exquisite limestone torso of a life size image. Notable is the simple attire and the lack of ornamentation already noticed in respect of the majority of Buddhist goddesses. A tiny hole in the centre of her left palm suggests that she held something in her hand. A date between the 6th and 7th centuries A.D. has been suggested by scholars.

Sirima Kiribamune

Archeological Museum, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

ca. 6th-7th century A.D.

Period of study: 1986-1987

Version: 01/12/2012

Co-Author: Seneviratna, Harsha

Technical Officer: Wijesinghe, Lalith

Technical Assistant: Jayasundare, Subhashini

Photographer: Madanayake, I.S.

International Center for Ethnic Studies, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Norwegian Agency for Development Cooperation

American Institute for Sri Lankan Studies, Colombo

All rights reserved by International Center for Ethnic Studies, Sri Lanka.

Forms part of Photographic documentation of Women as depicted in early Sri Lankan sculpture and painting / Slide in present collection

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