Women in Sri Lankan Sculpture and Painting

Bhikkhunis bringing a sapling of the Bodhi tree to Sri Lanka from India

Bhikkhunis

Cave paintings--Dambulu Rajamaha Viharaya (Sri Lanka)

Buddhist nuns in art

The only illustration in art of Bhikkhunis or Buddhist nuns during the period covered by this survey is seen at Dambulla. This painting shows the arrival of bhikkhuni Sanghamitta (the founder of the order of Buddhist nuns in Si Lanka) together with her companions, bringing with them a sapling of the Bodhi tree, the tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment.

Sirima Kiribamune

Dambulla, Sri Lanka

ca. 18th 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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