Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c27.4

c27.4

The more purely Sinhalese embroidery, corresponding to the homespun cotton manufacture, and executed in the home-made materials, appear to have been done mainly by the dhobies (*radav*, washermen) who had charge of all matters connected with cotton cloth, not merely its washing, but also the 'getting up' of Kandyan hats, preparation of decorations (*reli-palama*), supply of cloths for use on special occasions, and embroidery of betel-bags, cotton jackets, handkerchiefs, etc. At the present day a few dhobies may be found who understand some of the old stitches, and who make small betel-bags out of such materials as they can obtain, but I have not met with any *hannali* practising their craft even in a degenerate form. The following are specimens of dhoby tenancies: "Hēnayalāgē holds a Hēnaye Paṅguva (oa. 3p. ol. fields and oa. op. 4l. gardens). Services (commutable for Rs. 17.65):