Origin of Sri lankan Art: Sculptures of Frontspiece (Ayaka)

Abstract

The frontspiece of a dagoda is a protrusion, projecting from next to the dome. These mark prime examples of Sri Lankan art of sculpture, decoratively depicting symbols. The fronspieces survive intact at Kantaka Chetiya in Mihintale, Mirisavetiya Dagobas and Abhayagiriya Dhakshina Stupa in Anuradhapura and Digavapi near Ampara. There are remains to be seen at Yatala Dagoba in Tissamaharama and Mangala Maha Chetiya in Seruwawila as evidence of the existence of frontspieces in the past. The eastern frontspiece is the best out of the frontspieces at Kantaka Chetya, Mihintale which, according to Dr. Senerath Paranavitana, are the most ancient of the frontspieces and belong to 1st -2nd century AD. Although these are considered the oldest sculptures in Sri Lanka, there would have been previous constructions made of perishable material like wood and clay, serving as examples to the later granite frontspieces. Most of the sculptures in the frontspieces bear a connection to the Ashta Mangala symbols which depict water, fertility and wealth. The dagoba represents the physical relics of Lord Buddha among the Uddeshika and Paribhogika aspects. In most instances, Ashta Mangala are connected to doorways, the intention being to wish the person passing through the doorway Sri prosperity and prosperity in wealth Sri Samurdhi and Dhana samurdhi. Therefore, it could be considered that the fronstpiece (Vahalkada) means a doorway. The use of words Ayaka, Adimukha, as well as Vahalkada, in written sources signifies a doorway. Furthermore, the model of a building on top, considered as the most important part of a frontspice, could be identified as a triple door platform. At several places, including Sigiriya, similar triple doors are to be seen. The fronstpiece is an important part constructed to convey the devotees, by means of symbols and in a circumlocutory way, towards the holy relics inside the inner chamber of the dagoba.