Funday Times

Talented Sculptors in the Olden Days
Coming out of the Anuradhapura Gallery, one can see examples of the artistic talents of the sculptors of the Anuradhapura era. The Buddha images are fine examples of this talent, as is seen in the Toluvila statue exhibited at the entrance to the museum. The seated Buddha (see Funday Times 14 August) is very much similar to the world renowned Samadhi Buddha in Anuradhapura and some consider it even better.

With the introduction of Buddhism, stupas, monasteries and other religious buildings dominated the city of Anuradhapura. The ingenuity of our craftsmen can be seen in the carved guard-stones and moonstones adorning the flights of steps of monastic buildings. The moonstone has been accepted as a unique creation of Sri Lankan sculptors. They vary in shape and size and are made of different types of stone. Some of the moonstones seen to this day are masterpieces of the sculptor's art.

Professor Senerat Paranavitana describes the general characteristics in the design ornamenting a moonstone thus: "A conventionalised half-lotus in the centre enclosed by concentric bands which, proceeding outwards, are decorated respectively with a procession of geese, an intricate foliage design, a processions of four beasts - elephant, lion, horse and bull, racing each other - and an outermost band of stylised flames. The various elements of the design are skillfully integrated into a very effective whole. The motifs which constitute the design are symbolic."

According to Dr Paranavitana, the moonstone symbolizes 'samsara', the endless cycle of rebirth. He interprets the pattern of the outermost ring as flames and the various animals shown in the other concentric circles as successive phases of man's passage through 'samsara'.

The two slabs erected on either side of the foot of the flight of steps leading to a building are called guard-stones ('mura gal'). They are usually carved and the symbols used are mainly Hindu symbols. This shows that there was considerable influence of Hinduism although Buddhism was the State religion. The guard-stone symbolised the practice of placing the building under the protection of a guardian deity.

The figure on the guard-stone invariably carried the Pot of Abundance ('pun-kalasa') and the 'kalpavrska', the tree of plenty. Lotuses and 'punkalas' are indicative of plenty.

Behind the guard-stones too, ornamental stone work was used alongside the steps. The steps too, had decorative designs. Stone pillars were also a common feature amidst the monastic buildings. These too carried numerous designs.

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