Guardian Goddesses

Terra-cotta guardian goddess

Buddhist goddesses--Sri Lanka

Terra-cotta art--Mihintale--Sri Lanka

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.).

Sirima Kiribamune

Kantaka Cetiya, Mihintale, Sri Lanka

ca. 2nd century B.C.E.-1st 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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