194 8POLIA ZEYLANICA. 



body, give the image a tout ensemble which contrasts markedly 

 with the stolid " figure-head " appearance so characteristic of these 

 Buddhas in stone. The eyelids, under-lips, and ears are carved 

 with a life-like reality not reached in the case of the other Buddhas 

 already known. The nose is chipped, but so slightly as to be 

 practically unnoticeable from the front. The fingers are somewhat 

 worn, and there are a few cracks. A peculiarity of the head is a 

 rectangular block, 10 inches by 4| inches, at the back. One would 

 be tempted to dub this a konde, or hair-knot, but for the curly hair, 

 close cut as usual. Possibly it may have connected the statue with 

 the back wall. The sirespota, not improbably of gold, is, as might 

 be expected, missing. (See Plate XLII.) 



In front of the Buddha is a unique floral moonstone from Hangu- 

 ranketa of admirable design, embossed with wreaths, festoons, and 

 garlands, and a pair of fabulous creatures {makaras) at the sides, 

 and a pair of two-fold representatives of the sripatula or sacred 

 footprints of Buddha near the base. This moonstone is unique, and 

 differs from the conventional type found in the ancient cities of 

 Ceylon. 



There is also a collection of stones from Anuradhapura near the 

 Buddha shed. 



On the lawn near the Library is seen a square-based stylo bate, 

 each side of which is ornamented by several elephant heads. This 

 handsome structure was discovered near Anuradhapura by the 

 Archaeological Commissioner in 1894. It was erected in the grounds 

 of the ofifice of the Archaeological Commissioner in Anuradhapura, 

 and in 1911 transferred to the Colombo Museum. Originally a 

 Buddhist rail probably surmounted the four sides of the base. It is 

 not known what rested on the top. (See Plate XLIII.) 



