168 SPOLIA ZEYLANICA. 



Archaeological Survey). The flag of the Three Korales (Tun Korale) 

 contains the double-headed eagle (bhervndaya). A plain white 

 field within a red border is the banner of Matale. The flag of 

 Sabaragamuwa represents a net, shown by intersecting red lines on 

 a gold field within a blue border. Tradition says that one of 

 the Kandyan monarchs, through persistent rebellions in that 

 Province, declared that he would not trust the people of Sabara- 

 gamuwa out of his sight, and gave them the '" net " flag so that he 

 might see through them, even with the covering of a banner. The 

 older ensign appears to be a plain yellovv^ silk banner, on which the 

 net is shown m the flag in the Museum. Besides the flags already 

 mentioned, there is a copy of a flag said to be of the Udunuwara 

 Dissavoni. It has a floral border and a large central figure blowing 

 a trumpet, human forebody upon a bird's hindquarters {kindura), 

 painted equally on both sides. 



The drawings on the ceiling covering the to]| of the staircase must 

 not be taken for flags. These are Kandyan ceiling drawings done 

 by Kandyan workmen. Among other drawings there is the liansa- 

 putluwa. The hansa is the "sacred goose," which is regarded as 

 beautiful and auspicious. In Sinhalese as in Hindu decorative art 

 the hansa is seen frequently. The double oi" more swans with 

 entwined necks is the typical Sinhalese (Kandyan) form of the hansa. 

 The other drawings are merely decorative drawings. The one with 

 the monster on the top with the figures supporting it is the ^riakara 

 lurana. The malcara is supposed to be a fabulous amphibious 

 monster, usually taken to be the shark or crocodile, but depicted 

 in the signs of the zodiac with the head and forelegs of an antelope 

 and the body and tail of a fish. In the middle of the malara is 

 the Maitriya Buddha. 



ROOM D. 



The visitor next comes to Room D, which opens off the east side 

 of the Central Hall. 



Here are found two cases displaying samples of Maldivian arts 

 and handicrafts; two cases of models of boats, fishing appliances, 

 and houses ; two cases of masks, musical instruments, and other 

 articles associated with various ceremonies ; one case of modem 

 pottery ; and one case of ancient pottery and other remains 

 disinterred at Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. There is also a 

 small case in the centre of the room containing painted clay models 

 illustrative of the different types of inhabitants of the Colony and 

 their distinctive kinds of dress. 



In the North Verandah are shown some of the economic products 

 of the coconut and palmyra palms. In the South Verandah are 

 various stone remains. 



Maldivian Exhibits (Cases 25 and 32). 

 The Maldive Islands are situated 380 miles west of Ceylon, and 

 form a dependency of the Government of this 'Island. The archi- 

 pelago consists of several hundreds of islands grouped together in 

 clusters, called atolls ; they are of coral formation, and produce 

 excellent coconuts, the fibre of which has been for centuries largely 

 utilized as cordage for the shipping in the Lidian waters. The 

 country is governed by a Sultan, who sends a yearly Embassy, with 



