Polonnaruwa: Stone Lion

SRI LANKA, North Central Province, Polonnaruwa

The lion was important to the Sinhalese because, according to legend, they are descended from the first king of Vaishali, who was the issue of a princess and a lion. The lion is represented as a fabulous beast in Sri Lanka and functions as a protector with the power to ward off evil spirits. No lions actually live on the island.
The example depicted here is dynamically portrayed with its left paw supporting the body and the right raised threateningly, putting the creature’s male characteristics on display. The eyes are opened wide and the mouth gapes in a roar. The mane tumbles down the sides of the neck, while the damaged tail is curled into the shape of a whiplash.