Mediaeval Sinhalese Art c6.26

c6.26

The process of removing the tooth * from its various coverings is an impressive ceremony. There are present in the small upper room of the Māligāva the Diva Nilame in full dress, the two High Priests and some other priests. The modern and ugly iron-barred cage is unlocked, and the golden chains and jewels lifted off the outer casket; the caskets are removed one by one, three being unlocked by the aforesaid keys; finally the smallest casket containing the relic itself is reached; from this it is removed with trembling fingers and great reverence by one of the aged High Priests, and set in a silver holder under a glass case for exhibition to the people.