Archaeometallurgy of the
Ancient Civilization in Ruhuna
Sri Lanka

Dr Kavan U. Ratnatunga
Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA
http://coins.lakdiva.org.lk/ruhuna/

  • Base gold Aka virgin flan ? coin Grains on both sides.

  • Lead Brahmi script Inscribed coin Floral design.
  • Lead Horse & Svastika coin
  • Lead Leopard with Brahmi inscribed coin
  • Lead Tree & Svastika coin

  • Metallic Lakshmi Plaque coin of silver-like appearance.
  • Lead struck Lakshmi Plaque coin
  • Mini Lakshmi Plaque coin
  • Lead uncleaned Lakshmi Plaque coins

  • Copper 1st century CE Kushan Dracham coin

  • Lead item in the shape of a fish.

  • Stone Ring mould like those used to cast coins.
  • Lead cast ring matching mould.
  • Copper signet ring with elephant symbol.
  • Copper makara ornament pendent.
  • Copper srivasta ornament broken end

  • Lead ingot shaped like a seal - Interupted ear-ring ?
  • Lead ingot roll. Is it a Scroll ?

  • Antimony rods - Ancient double-tipped cotten swabs.
  • Copper spoon for cleaning ear wax.

    These Coins and other specimens I obtained on site in Ruhuna, Lanka in 2001 December all from or via Mr A. Ratnayaka a collector in Katharagama, who provided most of the 280 coins and 300 other items for the monograph and collection published in 1999 Ruhuna. An Ancient Civilization Re-visited. Numismatic and Archaeological evidence on Inland and Maritime trade, by Osmund Bopearachchi and Rajah M. Wickramasinhe.