Attendant Goddesses

Female guardians

Women in art--Sri Lanka

Stone carvings--Yapahuva (Sri Lanka)

On either side of the steps leading to the main building among the ruins at Yapahuva, Sri Lanka, are carved panels, with single female guardians. Although not naginis (female cobras), their shawls twirl up like cobra hoods. They carry pots of plenty symbolizing prosperity and good luck. The buildings at Yapahuva, Sri Lanka are attributed to the 13th century A.D. by art historians.

Sirima Kiribamune

Yapahuva, Sri Lanka

13th 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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PDWESLSP.S.41

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