Women in Sri Lankan Sculpture and Painting

Divine maidens (apsaras) as guardian goddesses

Apsaras--Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka)

Stone carving--Jetavanarama Cultural Triangle Project--Anuradhapura--Sri Lanka.

Discovered near the so-called Buddhist railing site in 1987 and housed in the site museum of the Jetavanarama Cultural Triangle Project at Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka, is this miniature gateway. It is in the style of the Amaravati School of Art in India, and may belong to about the 3rd century A.D. The two apsaras or divine maidens, leaning against two flowering trees, are cast in the role of guardian goddesses.

Sirima Kiribamune

Archeological Site Museum, Jetavana Vihara, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

ca. 3rd 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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