National Trust lecture on Intaglios

“Intaglios: the rich heritage of Sri

Lanka’s movable cultural objects” is the subject of the lecture by Luxshman

Nadaraja in this month’s National

Trust lecture on

Thursday, March 28, at 6 p.m. at the Auditorium of the College of Surgeons of Sri Lanka, No. 6, Independence Avenue, Colombo 7.

(For those who join online: https://www.youtube. com/@ntsl9627)

Intaglio is a term which may not be familiar to many in the Sri Lankan heritage context; it is an engraved or incised work where the carving is sunk into the hard surface of a small semi-precious gemstone (such as carnelian, garnet etc.) or moulded glass. Sri Lanka possesses a rich heritage of intaglios dating from the historical period.

The largest collection so far was unearthed from the archaeological excavations at Jetavana monastic complex at Anuradhapura, and the total number of intaglios found from southern Sri Lanka, particularly from Akurugoda at Tissamaharama, could be the biggest.

The graphical representations of the incised work are the primary attraction of these intaglios, with the subjects varying from human to animal figures. Judging by the artistic qualities of the engraved or incised work, archaeologists believe that some of these intaglios are of local origin while others are imported. They further suggest that the engraving and incising were practised in ancient Sri Lanka, using semi-precious stone, mostly imported from abroad.

Luxshman Nadaraja is one of Sri Lanka’s foremost photographers, who has a keen interest in natural and cultural heritage, which he enjoys recording. He is the co-author of many publications including, The World of Stanley Kirinda, Ridi Vihara, Nature of Sri Lanka, The Heritage of Water, Sri Pada and Gardens of Lanka. He has also exhibited his works in Sri Lanka and abroad. He also a Trustee of the National Trust Sri Lanka.

The lecture is open to all.