Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c21.10

c21.10

Next to the statuettes may be mentioned plaques and panels such as those figures of dēvas representing the guardians of the threshold, which are seen at the base of the door jamb at the doors of vihāras and dēvāles. These are illustrated in Pl. XXXV., 5 and 6. The head-dress, robes and jewellery are those traditionally given to figures of dēvas or kings. It will be seen that the treatment is stiff and conventional, but not without dignity and beauty. The right hand of the dēva of Pl. XXXV., 6, is especially fine. The figures are enclosed within carved arimbuva border, carrying liya pata crockets on the inner side.