Flags : Flag Traditions Of Sri Lanka by Nimal De Silva

Flag is a kind of art created through identity, dignity, power and devotion where the usage goes back to the earliest days of human civilization throughout the world. Sinhalese being one of the earliest civilizations with a documented history that goes back to the period more than two thousand five hundred years have created and used flags, this tradition got integrated with their culture and the life pattern. Generally flags are made out of cloth material therefore it perishes with time, but fortunately there are models of flags made out of gold, silver and bronze, from the 2nd century BC up to 14th century AD were found confirming the literary description found in the tradition. Further the author managed to discover more than three hundred original flags that largely belong to the Kandyan period. These specimens used during 17th century to 19th century were found preserved mainly in Buddhist temples and devala shrines. Some were also discovered in the National Museum and in private collections. In addition to the pictorial expositions of these unique artifacts, their artistic, sociological, anthropological, administrative and religious background is discussed in this publication

Padmapani Publishers.

Hardcover