Ancient lead coins, amulets and artifacts depicting turtles from Akurugoda, Southeastern Sri Lanka

17 Pages·2016·0.72 MB·English

Anslem de Silva, Kavan Ratnatunga, Frederick Medis,
Indraneil Das, Siri Munasinghe
Ancient lead coins, amulets and artifacts depicting
turtles from Akurugoda, Southeastern Sri Lanka

Abstract
Coins, tokens or possibly amulets depicting turtles, terrapins and tortoises dis-
covered from fields around Tissamaharama, Southeastern Sri Lanka are dis-
cussed. The bad status of preservation of these objects could probably be due to
the main metal used is lead, and the close proximity to the sea of the location
where these objects were unearthed. The Brāhmī letters refer to a person and not
the ruling monarchy which leads to the assumption that most of these coins are
in reality amulets. Depicting turtles could perhaps be due to the lucrative trade
in marine turtle scutes (scales of the carapace) and their products around south-
east of the country from (cid:3426)nd century BCE.
Abbreviations: AdS= Anslem de Silva, ID = Indraneil Das, KR = Kavan Ratna-
tunga, OB = Osmand Boppearachchi, RW = Rajha Wickramasinghe, SM = Siri
Munasinghe
Introduction ticular countries. In Sri Lanka, early forms
Recovery of ancient coins and seals, par- of currency have been in circulation for
ticularly of foreign origins from ancient monetary transactions from circa (cid:3427)rd centu-
sea ports, provide substantial evidence ry BCE (P(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3460)(cid:3454)(cid:3467) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3424)(cid:3433), C(cid:3464)(cid:3453)(cid:3467)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3456)(cid:3469)(cid:3464)(cid:3463) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3426)(cid:3425),
of trade and commerce, and consequent- G(cid:3454)(cid:3458)(cid:3456)(cid:3454)(cid:3467) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3425)(cid:3426), J(cid:3450)(cid:3474)(cid:3450)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3456)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3430), B(cid:3464)(cid:3465)(cid:3454)(cid:3450)(cid:3467)-
ly are of great archaeological importance. (cid:3450)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3458) & W(cid:3458)(cid:3452)(cid:3460)(cid:3467)(cid:3454)(cid:3462)(cid:3454)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3433), (cid:3453)(cid:3454) S(cid:3458)(cid:3461)(cid:3471)(cid:3450)
It is also evidence of active international (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3424)(cid:3433)). However, the ancient chronicle, Ma-
trade and administrative systems that ex- havamsa, shows the existence of a mone-
isted from ancient times between these par- tary system a few centuries earlier than the
Fig. 1. Greek turtle coin, the silver stater. (Image
courtesy: CNG https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_sta-
ter_with_a_turtle#/media/File:Aegina_Stater_achaic.jpg)
12 RADIATA 25 (4), 2016
Ancient lead coins, amulets and artifacts depicting turtles from Akurugoda, Southeastern Sri Lanka
Fig. 2. Tin money of Fig. 3. Tin money of
the Malacca Empire, the Malacca Empire,
1400 CE 1400 CE
(Photo: C(cid:3457)(cid:3458)(cid:3454)(cid:3472)). (Photo: C(cid:3457)(cid:3458)(cid:3454)(cid:3472)).
(cid:3427)rd century BCE during the time of King Vi- due to favourable monsoon winds (T(cid:3467)(cid:3458)(cid:3465)(cid:3450)(cid:3469)(cid:3458)
jaya in the (cid:3429)th century BCE (G(cid:3454)(cid:3458)(cid:3456)(cid:3454)(cid:3467) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3425)(cid:3426)). (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3425)(cid:3425)). Over (cid:3429)(cid:3424)(cid:3424) motifs were used, and over
In the last few decades, numerous discover- (cid:3430)(cid:3424)(cid:3424) types of coins were issued during a pe-
ies of numismatic objects of archaeological riod of (cid:3428)(cid:3424)(cid:3424) years (D(cid:3470)(cid:3469)(cid:3469)(cid:3450) (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3425)(cid:3426)).
and historical significance have been made There are also global representatives of
from Ruhuna, in the southeastern part of pre-Christian coins, tokens and other metal
the island (W(cid:3454)(cid:3458)(cid:3468)(cid:3468)(cid:3457)(cid:3450)(cid:3467) & W(cid:3458)(cid:3459)(cid:3454)(cid:3474)(cid:3465)(cid:3450)(cid:3461)(cid:3450), (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3427)). objects that depict turtle, terrapin and tor-
These comprise of lead coins, tokens, coin toise (hereafter, ‘turtle’) figures on the ob-
moulds, sealings and money boxes, all sug- verse. A famous example is the Greek turtle
gesting that monetary transactions were coin, the symbol on the earliest accepted
well established in the ancient kingdom of coinage of Greece, the Stater, minted in sil-
Ruhuna , founded around (cid:3427)rd century BCE ver (S(cid:3462)(cid:3458)(cid:3469)(cid:3457) (cid:3425)(cid:3432)(cid:3432)(cid:3425), Fig. (cid:3425)). The theory in re-
and was in existence till at least (cid:3426)nd centu- spect with those coins from Aegina was that
ry CE. These objects were found in the vil- the turtle symbol represented the island’s
lages of Akurugoda, Minigodana and Tiki- marine power and trading success (K(cid:3467)(cid:3464)(cid:3461)(cid:3461)
rigodana, in the vicinity of Tissamaharama & W(cid:3450)(cid:3456)(cid:3456)(cid:3464)(cid:3463)(cid:3454)(cid:3467) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3432)(cid:3428), L(cid:3464)(cid:3465)(cid:3454)(cid:3475) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3430)), and even
(B(cid:3464)(cid:3465)(cid:3454)(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3458) & W(cid:3458)(cid:3452)(cid:3460)(cid:3467)(cid:3454)(cid:3462)(cid:3454)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)). competed with the arguably more famous
Additionally, on the basis of the paleogra- Athenian (silver) owl coins (starting second
phy, they state that the Akurugoda inscribed half of the (cid:3429)th century BCE, W(cid:3454)(cid:3451)(cid:3454)(cid:3467) (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3424)(cid:3424)).
lead coins ‘can be fixed without much of a Additional examples from several centuries
risk’ to be between the (cid:3426)nd century BCE and later originating in south-east Asia, inclu-
(cid:3426)nd century CE. It is of interest to note here de tin and lead (in approximately (cid:3427):(cid:3425) ratio)
that C(cid:3457)(cid:3450)(cid:3463)(cid:3453)(cid:3467)(cid:3458)(cid:3460)(cid:3450) J(cid:3450)(cid:3474)(cid:3450)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3456)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) too reported of money widely used in the southern Malaya
this in (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3430). In the ancient coins of India (S(cid:3457)(cid:3450)(cid:3472) (cid:3450)(cid:3463)(cid:3453) A(cid:3461)(cid:3458) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3431)(cid:3424), N(cid:3456)(cid:3454) (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3424)(cid:3429)), such as
and Sri Lanka, only a few bear inscriptions, the crudely produced tin and lead money
while the rest are marked with symbols between the (cid:3425)(cid:3427)th and (cid:3425)(cid:3428)th Centuries, depicted
or motifs. Indian coins with motifs were marine or aquatic-related objects (such as
found in Sri Lanka, such as the silver punch fish, shellfish, star fish, frogs, turtles and
marked coins of the Magadha Empire that crocodiles) or other items highly valued
lasted between (cid:3430)(cid:3432)(cid:3428) BCE to the (cid:3431)th century (including roosters and buffaloes). Tin and
CE (G(cid:3470)(cid:3465)(cid:3469)(cid:3450) & H(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3453)(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3460)(cid:3450)(cid:3467) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3432)(cid:3429)). There is lead animal money, reportedly influenced
archaeological evidence that ancient mari- by magic and folklore, was minted by the
time route passed via Sri Lanka on the re- Pawangs (traditional medicine men), with
turn passage from south-east Asia, probably the ingots in the shape of animals to appea-
RADIATA 25 (4), 2016 13
anSlem de Silva, Kavan ratnatunga, fredericK mediS, indraneil daS & Siri munaSinghe
se sprits (D(cid:3450)(cid:3468) (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3425)(cid:3428)). The coins of pre-Mal- (cid:3425)(cid:3426) coins of Indian origin, most of which de-
acca and Malacca Sultanate period, between pict a hard-shelled turtle (a member of the
the (cid:3425)(cid:3427)th to (cid:3425)(cid:3432)th Centuries, on the other hand, family Bataguridae, reported as “tortoise”)
baring a few exceptions, depicted ornate in a pond. The ancient custom of keeping
lettering and minted in sub-circular shapes turtles in temple ponds remains till date in
(N(cid:3456)(cid:3454) (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3424)(cid:3429), Figs. (cid:3426)–(cid:3427)). The historic arrival Sri Lanka and the rest of the Indian Sub-
of Admiral Z(cid:3457)(cid:3454)(cid:3463)(cid:3456) H(cid:3454) ((cid:3425)(cid:3427)(cid:3431)(cid:3425)–(cid:3425)(cid:3428)(cid:3427)(cid:3427) or (cid:3425)(cid:3428)(cid:3427)(cid:3429)) continent, as well as countries in south-east
of the Ming Dynasty Period of China, de- Asia. Aquatic species such as Melanochelys
scribed as a “court eunuch, mariner, explo- and Lissemys species are kept in Buddhist
rer, diplomat, and fleet admiral” was during and Hindu temple ponds and occasional-
the early part of the (cid:3425)(cid:3429)th Century. This peri- ly in private wells in Sri Lanka. Although
od is credited with the introduction of tin S(cid:3454)(cid:3474)(cid:3464)(cid:3463)(cid:3454) ((cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3432)) listed a number of coins in
cash coins, minted in copper and produced which he describes them as turtles and tor-
in China (N(cid:3456)(cid:3454) (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3424)(cid:3429), S(cid:3454)(cid:3463) (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3424)(cid:3430)). In time, toises, we have no access to these coins and
when copper coins ran out, the local Chi- the published image resolutions are too low
nese turned to tin that was found in abun- to confirm species identifications.
dance in the Malay Peninsula. Tin, although The ancient coins from Sri Lanka had
softer than copper, was considered to bring various figures such as humans, animals
good luck, prosperity as well as ward off (elephants, bulls, lions, horses, fish and
evil spirits. The choice of metal was logi- turtles), floral and geometrical figures,
cal: tin is malleable and thus easily shaped, struck on the obverse and on the reverse
and mined in large quantities from quarries in some, legends in Brāhmī script (an an-
in the Malay Peninsula. Additional exam- cient writing system from the Indian sub-
ples from the southeast are the beautifully continent and in Central Asia between ca.
engraved tin coins with tortoises (Figures (cid:3426), (cid:3428)th century BCE to ca. (cid:3429)th century CE). Ad-
(cid:3427)) that were used in the days of the Malacca ditionally, the discovery of Indian, Persi-
Empire around (cid:3425)(cid:3428)(cid:3424)(cid:3424) CE (C(cid:3457)(cid:3458)(cid:3454)(cid:3472) (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3424)(cid:3425)). an, Roman and Greek coins in the country
Accounts of ancient coins have been from ancient times indicate flourishing ma-
reported for Sri Lanka (P(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3460)(cid:3454)(cid:3467) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3424)(cid:3433), ritime trade between Sri Lanka and those
C(cid:3464)(cid:3453)(cid:3467)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3456)(cid:3469)(cid:3464)(cid:3463) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3426)(cid:3425), B(cid:3464)(cid:3465)(cid:3454)(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3458) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3432)(cid:3429), countries (C(cid:3464)(cid:3453)(cid:3467)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3456)(cid:3469)(cid:3464)(cid:3463) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3426)(cid:3425), B(cid:3464)(cid:3465)(cid:3454)(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)-
W(cid:3450)(cid:3461)(cid:3451)(cid:3470)(cid:3467)(cid:3456) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3427), W(cid:3454)(cid:3458)(cid:3468)(cid:3468)(cid:3457)(cid:3450)(cid:3467) & W(cid:3458)(cid:3459)(cid:3454)(cid:3474)(cid:3465)(cid:3450)(cid:3461)(cid:3450) (cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3458) & W(cid:3458)(cid:3452)(cid:3460)(cid:3467)(cid:3454)(cid:3462)(cid:3454)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)). Furthermore,
(cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3427)). However, none of these authors re- B(cid:3464)(cid:3465)(cid:3454)(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3458) & W(cid:3458)(cid:3452)(cid:3460)(cid:3467)(cid:3454)(cid:3462)(cid:3454)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) ((cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3433))
fer to coins that depict turtles in detail like report that the iconography of these coins
in the present communication. Some of from Akurugoda is another important re-
the first accounts which referred to turtle velation compared to known issues such as
coins were by J(cid:3450)(cid:3474)(cid:3450)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3456)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) ((cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3430)), S(cid:3454)(cid:3474)(cid:3464)(cid:3463)(cid:3454) elephant, lion, bull and horse in Sri Lanka,
((cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3432)) and B(cid:3464)(cid:3465)(cid:3454)(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3458) & W(cid:3458)(cid:3452)(cid:3460)(cid:3467)(cid:3454)(cid:3462)(cid:3454)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)- but some animals such as turtle, donkey,
(cid:3457)(cid:3454) ((cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)). C(cid:3457)(cid:3450)(cid:3463)(cid:3453)(cid:3467)(cid:3458)(cid:3460)(cid:3450) J(cid:3450)(cid:3474)(cid:3450)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3456)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) reported shark etc show very little in common with
coin number (cid:3426)(cid:3424)a below and correctly state the known coinage of Sri Lanka. The pre-
what is depicted as a turtle (see her figure sent communication is on the lead ‘coins’
(cid:3426)(cid:3424)). S(cid:3454)(cid:3474)(cid:3464)(cid:3463)(cid:3454) ((cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3432)) reported of Indian coins belonging to around (cid:3426)nd century BCE to (cid:3426)nd
(of the kingdoms of the Pallava, (cid:3427)rd to (cid:3433)th century CE, which were struck in the coun-
Centuries, and Chola, (cid:3433)th to (cid:3425)(cid:3427)th Centuries) try, mainly in Akurugoda, Minigodana and
that were mainly discovered in Jaffna, Man- Tikirigodana, south-eastern Sri Lanka.
nar and few other localities in the country
around the (cid:3425)(cid:3432)(cid:3433)(cid:3424)’s, and says these coins Material
were minted around (cid:3429)th century BCE. This ‘Coins’ in the collections of four authors
suggests trade connections between India (mostly from the collections of KR, SM,
and Sri Lanka for over two millennia. S(cid:3454)(cid:3474)(cid:3464)- FM and AdS) depicting marine turtles and
(cid:3463)(cid:3454) ((cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3432)) illustrated and recorded details of tortoises of the country are the basis for this
14 RADIATA 25 (4), 2016
Ancient lead coins, amulets and artifacts depicting turtles from Akurugoda, Southeastern Sri Lanka
communication. Additionally, Akurugoda Confusions
turtle coins from R(cid:3450)(cid:3459)(cid:3450) W(cid:3458)(cid:3452)(cid:3460)(cid:3467)(cid:3454)(cid:3462)(cid:3454)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3457)(cid:3454)’s Confusion exists as to whether some of
earlier collection comprising of one of the these materials are actually ancient lead
most comprehensive specimens of Akuru- coins, as alluded to in earlier literature (see
goda lead coins depicting turtles, includ- B(cid:3464)(cid:3465)(cid:3454)(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3458) & W(cid:3458)(cid:3452)(cid:3460)(cid:3467)(cid:3454)(cid:3462)(cid:3454)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3433),
ing tortoise shape coins in the country, were S(cid:3454)(cid:3474)(cid:3464)(cid:3463)(cid:3454) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3432)). However, we know that all
examined. Measurements were taken using of these so called lead turtle coins have
a vernier caliper. Additional data on Greek been discovered as single pieces which
coins and tin money from Malacca (current had a specific Brāhmī inscription refer-
spelling: Melaka) were obtained from pub- ring to a single individual. B(cid:3464)(cid:3465)(cid:3454)(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3458)
lications, both print and online, and from & W(cid:3458)(cid:3452)(cid:3460)(cid:3467)(cid:3454)(cid:3462)(cid:3454)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) ((cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)) reported these
the private collection of one of the authors as issued by individuals such as landlords
(ID). and householders. M(cid:3470)(cid:3463)(cid:3450)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3456)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) refer to
Fig. 4.
Marine turtle
(Chelonia mydas)
with broad lat
lippers (AdS).
Fig. 5.
A tortoise (Geo-
chelone elegans)
with stumpy
and more or less
cylindrical limbs
(AdS).
RADIATA 25 (4), 2016 15
anSlem de Silva, Kavan ratnatunga, fredericK mediS, indraneil daS & Siri munaSinghe
Fig. 6.
A terrapin
(Melanochelys
trijuga thermalis)
(AdS).
Fig. 7.
Soft shelled
turtle (Lissemys
ceylonensis), note
the pointed head
(AdS).
them as “coin-like objects” (sirimunasiha. environs, south-eastern Sri Lanka are sus-
wordpress.com srilankan coins). However, pected to be amulets, specially made for
coin image (cid:3425)(cid:3430) perhaps issued in the name a specific individual for a clearly defined
of King Cinathi, possibly a provincial king purpose. Furthermore, most of these arti-
who ruled at Tissamahrama, Akurugoda. facts were not discovered by using archae-
Thus, we consider some of these to be Ni- ological procedures, but by the villagers
dan wasthu or amulets that are buried be- of Akurugoda and those from adjacent ar-
fore constructing a house, believing that eas and sold to a dealer in a nearby village.
such practice brings protection and pros- Thus, important archaeological data, such
perity. The custom of burying coins and re- as location, stratum of discovery, etc, are
ligious medals along with precious stones, unrecorded. B(cid:3464)(cid:3465)(cid:3454)(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3458) & W(cid:3458)(cid:3452)(cid:3460)(cid:3467)(cid:3454)(cid:3462)(cid:3454)-
effigies of various gods before the founda- (cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) ((cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)) report that the original discov-
tion stone is laid, continue to modern-day eries of coins were made serendipitously in
practice in Sri Lanka. Thus, some of these (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3432)(cid:3433), when a villager was digging a pit in
discoveries excavated from Akurugoda and his garden.
16 RADIATA 25 (4), 2016
Ancient lead coins, amulets and artifacts depicting turtles from Akurugoda, Southeastern Sri Lanka
We see that the term ‘turtle’ and ‘tor- Hindu system of architecture, akin to the
toise’ have been interchangeably used in Chinese Feng Shui), to build a house on a
some earlier literature on coins (see B(cid:3464)(cid:3465)(cid:3454)- mound like that of a carapace of tortoise is
(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3458) & W(cid:3458)(cid:3452)(cid:3460)(cid:3467)(cid:3454)(cid:3462)(cid:3454)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3433), S(cid:3454)(cid:3474)(cid:3464)(cid:3463)(cid:3454) considered to bring luck (K(cid:3450)(cid:3460) (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3424)(cid:3430)).
(cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3432)). The term ‘turtle’ mainly refers to ma- The Hindu god of preservation, Vish-
rine turtles that have distinctly elongate and nu, takes the form of a turtle (Kurma) in
flattened forelimbs in the shape of flippers the second of his (cid:3425)(cid:3424)th incarnations (W(cid:3458)(cid:3461)(cid:3468)(cid:3464)(cid:3463)
(Fig. (cid:3428)), these are distinctly different to the (cid:3425)(cid:3432)(cid:3428)(cid:3424)).
limbs of a terrapin (a hard-shelled turtle), a Various parts of the viscera and shell
soft-shelled turtle or a tortoise (Figs. (cid:3429)-(cid:3431)). of the Black Turtle (Melanochelys triju-
Thus, these ‘coins’ with distinct broad flat ga thermalis), Sri Lankan Soft-shell Tur-
flippers should be considered marine turtle, tle (Lissemys ceylonensis), Star Tortoise
and images without such flippers should be (Geochelone elegans) and the Green Turtle
interpreted as a terrapin, soft-shelled turtle (Chelonia mydas) are widely used in tradi-
or tortoise, all denizens of non-marine en- tional medicine in the country.
vironments. According to palmistry beliefs, if one has
a symbol like that of a turtle on the palm, it
Significance of Akurugoda marine tur- is considered lucky since it is an indicator
tle coins and amulets of wealth and longevity and terrapins are
Akurugoda, Minigodana and Tikiri- used in witchcraft in the country ((cid:3453)(cid:3454) S(cid:3458)(cid:3461)-
godana villages are situated close to the an- (cid:3471)(cid:3450) (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3425)(cid:3425)).
cient seaport of Godavaya, in south-east Sri The south-east coast of Sri Lanka has
Lanka. According to S(cid:3458)(cid:3467)(cid:3458)(cid:3472)(cid:3454)(cid:3454)(cid:3467)(cid:3450) ((cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3425)(cid:3427)), Go- several marine turtle rookeries (from Bun-
davaya port is the only known port during dala, Amaduwa, Palatupana, Godawaya,
the early Anuradhapura Kingdom and an Rekawa), where five of the seven marine
important one in international trade. The turtle species of the world come to these
primary goal of this paper is to highlight beaches to nest ((cid:3453)(cid:3454) S(cid:3458)(cid:3461)(cid:3471)(cid:3450) (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3424)(cid:3430), D(cid:3454)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3463)(cid:3458)(cid:3474)(cid:3450)-
the herpetological significance of turtles (cid:3456)(cid:3450)(cid:3461)(cid:3450) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3427)(cid:3433) K(cid:3450)(cid:3465)(cid:3470)(cid:3467)(cid:3470)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3456)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3424)(cid:3430)).
depicted on the obverse of some of these Exporting various products of the Hawks-
‘coins’. Though these lead ‘coins’ were dis- bill Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) scutes
covered in villagers around Tissamaharama (or scales of the carapace, popularly known
they are presently referred to as ‘Akurugo- as ‘tortoiseshell’) to both Rome and India
da lead coins’. We consider that some of has been a lucrative cottage industry in Sri
the Akurugoda lead artifacts in this paper Lanka since ancient times ((cid:3453)(cid:3454) S(cid:3458)(cid:3461)(cid:3471)(cid:3450) (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3425)(cid:3425),
could be amulets depicting turtles. Turtles (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3425)(cid:3425)a, G(cid:3467)(cid:3454)(cid:3463)(cid:3458)(cid:3454)(cid:3467) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3429)(cid:3432), W(cid:3454)(cid:3454)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3460)(cid:3460)(cid:3464)(cid:3453)(cid:3474) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3426)).
could symbolize the area’s geopolitical im- Turtle scutes that were imported from Sri
portance and trading success (mainly ma- Lanka were used to decorate household fur-
rine turtle shell products), as in the case of niture of the wealthy in ancient Rome. The
Aegina in Greece. Additionally, we also as- availability of a variety of objects turned
sume that the significance of depicting tur- out from turtle scutes were used by men and
tles on the obverse of these ‘coins’ may be women in daily life and for export, suggests
due to the following: that the marine turtle shell cottage industry
would have been a popular cottage industry
The sixteen auspicious symbols or the ((cid:3453)(cid:3454) S(cid:3458)(cid:3461)(cid:3471)(cid:3450) (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3425)(cid:3425), (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3425)(cid:3425)a, G(cid:3467)(cid:3454)(cid:3463)(cid:3458)(cid:3454)(cid:3467) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3429)(cid:3432), W(cid:3454)(cid:3454)(cid:3467)-
sodasamangala had been referred to in in- (cid:3450)(cid:3460)(cid:3460)(cid:3464)(cid:3453)(cid:3474) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3426)).
scriptions. One of the auspicious symbols is D(cid:3454)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3463)(cid:3458)(cid:3474)(cid:3450)(cid:3456)(cid:3450)(cid:3461)(cid:3450) ((cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3427)(cid:3433)) reported that
a terrapin. Similarly the astamangala (eight Hawksbill Turtle scute products were sent
auspicious symbols) too have a terrapin. abroad as gifts by the Sinhala kings during
According to traditional house-build- ancient times.
ing science (Vastu Shastra, the traditional
RADIATA 25 (4), 2016 17
anSlem de Silva, Kavan ratnatunga, fredericK mediS, indraneil daS & Siri munaSinghe
There are many historical records on ex- are grouped under numismatic type order:
ploitation of marine turtles for their scutes, Inscribed lead casts (coins) (samples (cid:3425)-(cid:3425)(cid:3424))
one of the earliest is that of S(cid:3469)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3451)(cid:3464) ((cid:3430)(cid:3428) and turtle shape lead casts (samples (cid:3425)(cid:3425)-(cid:3425)(cid:3431)).
BCE – (cid:3426)(cid:3425) CE) the Greek historian and ge- Within each group, the samples are listed
ographer. He reported that large quantities under marine turtles, terrapins and land tor-
of “tortoise-shells” along with ivory and toises.
other merchandise were exported to India
from Sri Lanka implying that turtles, espe- Sample (cid:3425) – inscribed cast of a marine
cially Eretmochelys imbricata (Hawksbill turtle
turtle) were exploited in Sri Lanka from The turtle in the above cast figured on the
Pre-Christian times. The Romans knew obverse is shown in lateral aspect (Fig. (cid:3432)).
that large quantities of “tortoiseshell” came This is unique, as in all Akurugoda ‘coins’
from Taprobane, as Sri Lanka was then the dorsal view of the turtle is depicted.
known. This is evident from the writings of There is an indistinct circular border of tri-
G(cid:3450)(cid:3458)(cid:3470)(cid:3468) P(cid:3461)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3458)(cid:3470)(cid:3468) S(cid:3454)(cid:3452)(cid:3470)(cid:3463)(cid:3453)(cid:3470)(cid:3468), commonly ab- angles within a frame of lines. On the re-
breviated as P(cid:3461)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3474) ((cid:3426)(cid:3427)–(cid:3431)(cid:3433) CE), who report- verse within a thick line are Brāhmī letters
ed that “catching large tortoises formed the (Fig. (cid:3433)) which read as Tisa Mate = minister
chief object of fishing in Sri Lanka (is) pur- Tisa. The cast weighs (cid:3426).(cid:3424)(cid:3433) g and is (cid:3425)(cid:3428) mm
sued with great pleasure”. wide. This was presented to AdS by FM.
Some Akurugoda lead ‘coins’ that de- Sample (cid:3426) – inscribed cast of a marine
pict turtles, terrapins and tortoises turtle
Following are details of seventeen an- The marine turtle in the above lead cast
cient lead ‘coins’ from Akurugoda depicting is figured on obverse in dorsal view (Fig.
turtles and a few are molded in the shape of (cid:3425)(cid:3424)). Virtually half the coin is broken. There
a terrapin/tortoise. Most of these coins were are two circular borders of triangles within
found in Akurugoda and were cataloged in a frame of double lines. There are slightly
(cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3433) by O(cid:3468)(cid:3462)(cid:3470)(cid:3463)(cid:3453) B(cid:3464)(cid:3465)(cid:3454)(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3458) and R(cid:3450)(cid:3459)(cid:3450)(cid:3457) similar coins depicted below. On the reverse
W(cid:3458)(cid:3452)(cid:3460)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3462)(cid:3450)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) in their book Ruhuna, An are Brāhmī letters (Fig. (cid:3425)(cid:3425)) of which some
Ancient Civilization Re-visited. For detailed characters would have been in the missing
accounts of the Brāhmī letters, please refer part. The coin weighs (cid:3425).(cid:3428)(cid:3431) g and is (cid:3425)(cid:3430) mm
the above work. The samples in this paper wide. This was presented by RW to AdS.

Fig. 8. Sample 1, Fig. 9. Sample 1,
obverse depicting the reverse with Brāhmī
lateral view of a turtle letters (AdS).
(AdS).
18 RADIATA 25 (4), 2016
Ancient lead coins, amulets and artifacts depicting turtles from Akurugoda, Southeastern Sri Lanka
Fig. 10. Sample 2, ob- Fig. 11. Sample 2,
verse depicting a turtle reverse with Brāhmī
(Photo: AdS). letters
(Photo: AdS).
Sample (cid:3427) – inscribed cast of a marine taha. The words translate from Sinhala as
turtles (Householder Samanasa Son made got) i.e
According to B(cid:3464)(cid:3465)(cid:3454)(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3458) & R(cid:3450)(cid:3469)(cid:3463)(cid:3450)- Got made (by) Householder Samana’s Son.
(cid:3469)(cid:3470)(cid:3463)(cid:3456)(cid:3450) (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3424)(cid:3428), the above lead cast (diameter The words gahapati, puta and gataha oc-
(cid:3425)(cid:3432) mm) from Akurugoda has four marine cur frequently on these lead tokens found
turtle figures and five dolphins on the ob- in Sri Lanka. This coin is from collection
verse in a dorsal view (Figs. (cid:3425)(cid:3426)-(cid:3425)(cid:3426)a). It is of of KR. Two additional similar coins have
interest to note that figures of the turtles are been discovered from Akurugoda (Sample (cid:3428)
larger than those of the dolphins, and shown below and coin fragment Fig. (cid:3426)(cid:3425)(cid:3428) page (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3432).
swimming in a clockwise direction around W(cid:3450)(cid:3461)(cid:3451)(cid:3470)(cid:3467)(cid:3456) (cid:3426)(cid:3424)(cid:3424)(cid:3432) - Coins and Tokens from an-
the chakra, while the five dolphins are cient Ceylon).
swimming towards the chakra. The turtle
and dolphin figures are set within a circu- Sample (cid:3428) – inscribed cast of a marine
lar border of triangles within a frame of turtles
lines. The reverse has a figure of Lakshmi This broken cast (Fig. (cid:3425)(cid:3428)) is similar to
with elephants on either side (Fig. (cid:3425)(cid:3427)-(cid:3425)(cid:3427)a). the cast depicted above (Fig. (cid:3425)(cid:3426)). It has the
The (cid:3425)(cid:3429) characters in text are ga ha pa ti sa figures of clockwise swimming turtles and
ma na sa pu ta sa da ga ta ha Joining into the dolphins on the obverse in a dorsal view
words gahapati samanasa puta sada ga- pointed towards the chakra (Figs. (cid:3425)(cid:3428)-(cid:3425)(cid:3428)a).
Fig. 12. Sample 3, ob- Fig. 12a. Diagrammatic Fig. 13. Sample 3, Fig. 13a. Diagrammatic
verse with 4 turtles and sketch of Fig. 12 (KR). reverse with igure of sketch of Fig. 13 (KR).
5 dolphins (Scan: KR). Lakshmi (Scan: KR).
RADIATA 25 (4), 2016 19
anSlem de Silva, Kavan ratnatunga, fredericK mediS, indraneil daS & Siri munaSinghe
Fig. 14. Sample 4, Fig. 14a. Diagrammatic Fig. 15. Sample 4, Fig. 15a. Diagrammatic
obverse with turtles and sketch of Fig. 14 (KR). reverse with igure of sketch of Fig. 15 (KR).
dolphins (scan and line Lakshmi (scan and
drawing: KR). line drawing: KR)
The reverse has a figure of Lakshmi with Sample (cid:3430) – inscribed cast of a marine
elephants on either side (Fig. (cid:3425)(cid:3429)-(cid:3425)(cid:3429)a). This turtle
coin is from the collection of SM. The above lead cast from Akurugoda has
a distinct figure of a marine turtle, encir-
Sample (cid:3429) – inscribed cast of a marine cled with a border of triangles (Figure (cid:3425)(cid:3432)).
turtle The forelimbs are larger and flipper shaped
This particular lead cast when compared which is an accurate form of a marine turtle,
to other turtle coins is unique as it depicts but reported as tortoise in B(cid:3464)(cid:3465)(cid:3454)(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3458) &
on the reverse a small turtle in center with W(cid:3458)(cid:3452)(cid:3460)(cid:3467)(cid:3454)(cid:3462)(cid:3454)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) ((cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)). On the reverse are
Brāhmī characters around the turtle (Fig. indistinct Brāhmī letters (Figure (cid:3425)(cid:3433)). Accor-
(cid:3425)(cid:3430)) which reads as ‘Rana Cinathi Nama’ ding to B(cid:3464)(cid:3465)(cid:3454)(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3458) & W(cid:3458)(cid:3452)(cid:3460)(cid:3467)(cid:3454)(cid:3462)(cid:3454)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3457)(cid:3454)
possibly a provincial ruler. The obverse ((cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)) the coin weighs (cid:3426).(cid:3430)(cid:3433) g and (cid:3425)(cid:3430) mm in
shows a fish facing to the left towards the diameter. This is E(cid:3426)(cid:3432) in OBRW and from
arc (Fig (cid:3425)(cid:3431)). This coin weighs (cid:3426).(cid:3427)(cid:3426) grams. collection of RW.
This coin is from the collection of SM.
Fig. 16. Sample 5, Fig. 17. Sample 5,
reverse with igure of a obverse with a igure of
turtle (KR). a ish (KR).
20 RADIATA 25 (4), 2016
Ancient lead coins, amulets and artifacts depicting turtles from Akurugoda, Southeastern Sri Lanka
Fig. 18. Sample 6, Fig. 19. Sample 6,
obverse with a igure of reverse with indistinct
a turtle (AdS). Brāhmī letters (AdS).
Sample (cid:3431) – inscribed cast of a marine Sample (cid:3432) – inscribed cast of a marine
turtle turtle
This lead cast from Akurugoda weighs
The reverse of the above cast depicts a (cid:3426).(cid:3429)(cid:3425) g and measures (cid:3425)(cid:3428) x (cid:3425)(cid:3429) mm. It depicts a
small turtle in center with four Brāhmī cha- marine turtle with distinct flippers in dorsal
racters (Fig. (cid:3426)(cid:3424)). The obverse depicts a lion view (Fig. (cid:3426)(cid:3426)). According to B(cid:3464)(cid:3465)(cid:3454)(cid:3450)(cid:3467)(cid:3450)(cid:3452)(cid:3457)-
with curved tail over back facing to the (cid:3452)(cid:3457)(cid:3458) & W(cid:3458)(cid:3452)(cid:3460)(cid:3467)(cid:3454)(cid:3462)(cid:3454)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) ((cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)) a transliterati-
right (Fig. (cid:3426)(cid:3425)). It weighs (cid:3425).(cid:3431)(cid:3426) grams. This is on of the Brāhmī letters on the reverse (Fig.
a circular coin with broken fragment. This (cid:3426)(cid:3427)) is “of the municipal officer Na ? Kati
is perhaps one of the first Akurugoda lead ??”. This is A(cid:3428)(cid:3424) of OBRW is now in col-
coins where a marine turtle was identified lection of KR.
and the inscribed Brāhmī characters read
as ‘Na Ka Ti Sa’ (J(cid:3450)(cid:3474)(cid:3450)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3456)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) (cid:3425)(cid:3433)(cid:3433)(cid:3430)). This is
from the collection of SM.
Fig. 20. Sample 7, sketch Fig. 20a. Sample 7, Fig. 21. Sample 7, ob-
by C(cid:3457)(cid:3450)(cid:3463)(cid:3453)(cid:3467)(cid:3458)(cid:3460)(cid:3450) J(cid:3450)(cid:3474)(cid:3450)(cid:3468)(cid:3458)(cid:3463)(cid:3456)(cid:3457)(cid:3454) reverse with a igure of verse lion with curved
(1998) courtesy Sunday a turtle (KR). tail (KR).
Island news paper.
RADIATA 25 (4), 2016 21