( 2(5 ) 



and depth of the features, the softness of expression, the symmetry 

 and repose of the body give the image a tout ensemble which 

 contrasts markedly with the stolid ' figure-head ' appearance so 

 characteristic of these Buddhas in stone." 



In front of the Buddha there is a large moonstone of unique 

 and admirable design, embossed with wreaths, festoons, and 

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

 a pair of two-fold representations of the Sri-jmtula or sacred 

 footprints near the base. This is called the Floral ItlooilStoiie of 

 Hangnranketa, and was presented to the Museum in 1894 by 

 Lady De Soysa. 



The representations of the footprint of Buddha, called Sri- 

 patula, or Sri-pada, of which there are several in this shed carved 

 in stone, are of considerable interest. The best of them is that 

 which is known as the Koddaikeni Stone, a double Sri-pada (like 

 the rest) covered with symbols. The signs on the toes are called 

 swastika^ the radiant emblem in the centre is the dharma-chakra, 

 in front of which are a couple of flags, at the side a fish-hook 

 behind a flower vase, a conch shell, a fan, a pair of fishes repre- 

 senting Pisces, one of the signs of the zodiac ; a complicated cryptic 

 emblem occupies the centre of the heel, and on one side of this 

 opposite to the fishes are the trisul emblems. The exact interpre- 

 tation of the symbolism of this stone has not yet been attempted.* 



Another curious relic is the limestone image representing 

 a man standing in the jaws of a monster, sent by Mr. C.A.Murray 

 from Tissamaharama in 1892. The moonstone and carved steps, 

 with janitors and terminals, which have been arranged at the 

 entrance to the shed, arrived here from Anuradhapura in the 

 years 1882 and 1884.t 



The stone discs placed round the convex side of the large 

 Hangnranketa moonstone are described as mural Ol'liailieilts 

 from Anuradhapura. 



SIGIRIYA FRESCOES. 



On the walls flanking the main staircase will be found copies 

 of the celebrated frescoes discovered in a cave or pocket of the 

 ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya near DambuUa. Sigiriya, the 

 lion rock, rises abruptly from the plains of the North-Central 

 Province to a height of about four hundred feet, with an area of 

 little more than an acre at the summit. It is said to have been 

 fortified by the Sinhalese parricide King Kasyapa, who ascended 

 the throne 47;') a.D. and fled to the rock after having immured his 



* Cf. Memorandum by Messrs. J. P. Lewis and G. M. Fowler, with plate, in 

 .Tourn. Ceylon R. Asiat. Soc, vol. XI., 1889-1890. Proceedings, pp. Ixii, Ixiii. 

 t ty. Administration Reports of the Museum for 1882 (p. 110 D) and 1884(p.l8 D). 



