Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c24.27

c24.27

A *tāliya* is a large wide-mouthed vessel similar to a *pātra*. A *pin-tāliya* is such a vessel of *Tāliya* water set by the wayside for the use of travellers. Such vessels are to be seen everywhere, usually supported in a forked branch, often roofed over. The vessel has usually a wooden lid, and a ladle (*kinissa*). It is not customary in the East to apply the lips to the rim of such a common drinking vessel, but the water is poured from the bowl of the ladle (or from the spout of a *kotalaya*) into the hollow of the left hand held against the mouth. This admirable sanitary precaution might with advantage be adopted in the West.