Browse Archive Items (3 total)

Limestone guardian goddess

Description: Excavated in 1982 this figure was found immediately outside the southern Vahalkada (gateway) of the Jetavanarama stupa is this fragmentary yet massive limestone figure of a goddess. The image probably belongs to the 3rd century A.D. The lotus head-dress suggests that it is a deity, perhaps a guardian goddess. It is presently housed in the site Museum of the Jetavanarama Cultural Triangle Project at Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka.
Contributor: Co-Author: Seneviratna, Harsha

Terra-cotta guardian goddess

Description: Perhaps it is a protective role which is played by the gods and goddesses placed in niches in the superstructure of the Vahalakadas (gateways) of the Kantaka Cetiya at Mihintale, Sri Lanka. This goddess made of terra-cotta and covered with lime plaster occupies a side niche, the central position being reserved for the male god. Stylistically this sculpture may be attributed to the early Anuradhapura period (2nd century B.C.E.-1st century A.D.).
Contributor: Co-Author: Seneviratna, Harsha

Divine maidens (apsaras) as guardian goddesses

Description: 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.
Contributor: Co-Author: Seneviratna, Harsha