SIGN OF THE TORTOISE. 149 
THE SIGN OF THE TORTOISE, OR KURMA-CHAKRA, 
IN CEYLON. 
By A. Wier, D.Sc., F.RBS. 
Director, Colombo Museum. 
HE Colombo Museum has recently come into the possession 
of a set of native medical appliances of sufficient interest 
to merit a separate report. The principal piece in the set is a 
low stone bench upon which is incised, in a conventional manner, 
the contour of a te ‘oise. Such representations of animals in 
the primitive art of various countries have a peculiar fascination, 
not only because they illustrate what has been called the evolution 
of decorative art, but because they are, in many cases at least, 
the visible and tangible reflection of the inner life of the people. 
Fishes, lizards, snakes, birds, and certain mammals are com- 
monly met with in the early stages of artistic design. Generally 
their use is primarily symbolical, as, for example, when they 
represent the vehicles and avataras of the gods ; from this state 
they may pass by easy gradations into a frankly decorative con- 
dition. Sometimes their import is more strictly utilitarian, as 
is the case with the Kurma-chakra in Ceylon, a yantra which carries 
healing in its lines.* 
Before describing the actual objects with which this note is 
concerned it may be useful to give some references and experiences 
in evidence of the widespread traditional importance of the tortoise. 
In spite of limited time, literature, and knowledge at my disposal, 
I think these will be enough for the purpose in view, namely, to 
illustrate the hold possessed by this particular type of animal life 
upon the unfettered imagination of the peoples of the earth. 
In the premises of large Hindu temples there may be seen a stone 
edifice called a mantapam consisting of a bare roof supported by 
more or less richly carved pillars varying in number from four to 
one thousand. At Little Conjeeveram, a hamlet situated a short 
distance from the town of Conjeeveram in Southern India, which is 
reputed to be a halting centre for Kasi Brahmins bringing Ganges 
water from Benares to Rameswaram, there are two 4-pillar manta- 
pams to receive Vishnu and Lakshmi respectively, and a 100-pillar 


* A yantra is a mystical device ; a mantra is a mystical formula; a sastra 
is a mystical code or system of rules relating to the application of yantras 
and mantras. 
x 8(1)07. 
