Sri Lanka’s rich and colourful history of more than 2500 years shows the beautiful jewellery worn by royalty. As only a few remains of Sri Lanka’s ancient jewellery still exist, the records of history and paintings on walls help us understand their beauty and importance. From these sources we can learn what our ancestors wore and what was fashionable during their time.
Sri Lanka is a land rich with gemstones. The Mahavamsa, the country’s historical chronicle, contains many stories of how kings presented these jewels as gifts to neighbouring kings and honoured visitors. It tells how King Devanampiyatissa, wishing to build a friendship with Emperor Asoka of India, sent a group to his royal court carrying a collection of sapphires, rubies and beryl, including green emeralds and sea-blue aquamarines among other gifts.
King Devanampiyatissa also included the island’s eight types of pearls in his gift box. These included the elephant pearl, which was believed to grow inside the tusks of elephants, although not all elephants had them. Other pearls mentioned were the horse pearl, wagon pearl, myrobalan pearl, bracelet pearl, ring pearl, kadukah fruit pearl and pearls found inside oyster shells. In return, Emperor Asoka presented Sri Lanka with his greatest gift – the priceless Triple Gem of the Buddha’s teachings through his son, the Arahant Mahinda.
If pearls and valuable stones were found in abundance, what metal was used to make jewellery? The Mahavamsa mentions a gold mine that a hunter discovered in Accaravittigama during the reign of King Dutugamunu.
The gold from this discovery was used to help build the magnificent Ruvanveli Maha Seya, Sri Lanka’s third highest dagoba. It is also said that this gold was used to decorate the gem-studded earrings proudly worn by the great King Dutugamunu.
The Mahavamsa also says that gold nuggets appeared on the north-eastern plains of Anuradhapura. On the eastern side copper was discovered and the village became known as Tambapitta. In the south-eastern direction precious gems were found in the village of Sumanavapi. To the south, in the caves of Ambatthakola, silver was discovered.
Besides the gold and silver mines, Sri Lanka was also an important centre of international trade. Because metals were used as currency at that time, they were available in large quantities for local craftsmen to use in their jewellery creations. Many of these designs were influenced by South Indian artists. Gold was mainly used by royalty, while silver became popular among courtiers.
Medieval literature describes the royal jewellery box as having 64 compartments. Stories speak of jackets decorated with beads, armour tied around the waist and the commonly used signet rings of kings. These writings also praise the beauty of pearl necklaces worn by Sri Lankan queens, the jingling bangles worn on hands and calves, the detailed armlets shaped like a coiled cobra and the navan-vela or golden girdle worn around the waist.
Although the identity of these beautiful ladies, whether they were noble women or heavenly maidens, remains unknown, it is believed that their jewellery designs were inspired by traditional ornaments worn during that time.
The few surviving paintings of ancient Sri Lanka show the jewellery styles that were popular for more than a thousand years. The most famous examples are the world-known frescoes of Sigiriya Rock Fortress. While the identity of these beautiful ladies is still uncertain, it is believed that their jewellery was inspired by traditional ornaments worn during that period. The women are decorated with strings of pearl chains and pendants, and many wear necklaces and pendants set with emeralds or rubies. Their arms are decorated with silver armlets.
Historical paintings, together with literature, give us a glimpse of the shining beauty and greatness of the jewellery of ancient Sri Lanka.
What is it?
Google Ranked #1, the Heartfelt Expedition is a unique tour that invites tourists to personally engage in charitable events from the perspective of a local donor. Participants will be involved in school initiatives, elderly adoption, and community assistance throughout Sri Lanka.
Discover authentic culture and make a difference by helping local communities.
