Browsing by Author "Adikari, G."

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Analysis of the mandibular molar dental measurements of skeletal remains of prehistoric and recent human populations in Sri Lanka
(Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Institute, 2009) Chandimal, K.M.; Yasawardena, S.G.; Adikari, G.
Begging or cooking: a study on the monastic life of the Anuradhapura hinterland
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Adikari, G.; Gunawardhana, P.; Coningham, R.; Saldin, M.; Namalgamuwa, H.
Ceramic analysis of the Anuradhapura hinterland
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Krishnan, K.; Adikari, G.
Dating the jungle tide: scientifically dating the abandonment of Anuradhapura
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Strickland, K.; Simpson, I.; Adikari, G.; Saldin, M.; Namalgamuwa, H.
The dental analysis of prehistoric skeletal remains of Pothana, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
(12th Annual Research Symposium, University of Kelaniya, 2011) Chandimal, K.M.; Yasawardene, S.G.; Adikari, G.
A detailed analysis of dentition is of utmost importance in finding answers to specific questions regarding heath status, dietary preferences, behavioral patterns and biological affinities of prehistoric populations, and is of paramount importance to archaeologists. Dental remains from prehistoric skeletal remains at Pothana date back to more than 4500 BP were used in this study. Permanent teeth (54 in no.) obtained from these adult human skeletal remains were studied. The detailed morphological and metrical analysis of permanent dentition was done and the crown index (B-L/M-Dx100) and robustness values (B-L x M-D) calculated for each tooth by following the methods described in Bass 2005 and Marting and Saller 1957 -1959, using measured mesio-distal and bucco-lingual diameters of lower molar teeth. The morphological traits: shovel shape of incisors, carabelli‟s cusp, taurodontism, para molar cusps and cusp number and molar groove pattern of mandibular teeth of the dentition were studied. The pattern of dental attrition, staining & discoloration of teeth and pathological conditions were studied. The crown surface area (robustness value) of available lower teeth decreases Molar 1 (M1) > M2 >M3 and the crown index decreases M3 > M2 >M1 of Pothana skeletal remains. Five cusp patterns were observed in the available first lower molar and the four cusp pattern was observed in lower second and third molar teeth. The upper molar showed the four and three cusp pattern. The groove patterns were not observed on first and second molar due to high stage of attrition but Y groove pattern was observed on 3rd lower molar teeth. There was no evidence of crowding, taurodontism, shovel shaped incisors, artificial deformations, carabelli‟s cusp, para molar cusps. The attrition differential between the anterior and posterior dentition was clearly evident. High attrition was observed in most of the anterior teeth in many instances rather than in molar and premolar. This is comparable to the dental attrition pattern of Pomparippu population reported by Lukacs 1973, and the dental attrition pattern of Balangoda population by Kennedy 1986. This indicates the higher usage of anterior teeth by extinct population than the post canine dentition. The cause for the higher wear pattern on anterior teeth may be due to the higher usage of incisors and canines as tools to manipulate or to hold various objects. The pathological conditions including carious decay, periodontal diseases were absent in the teeth samples from Pothana. This is comparable to the reported good dental heath state of Balangoda population by Kennedy 1973, and contrasts with the low dental health of Pomparippu population described by Lukacs 1973.
The determination of age, sex and stature of prehistoric human skeletal remains excavated from Sigiriya Potana in Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2009) Chandimal, K.M.; Yasawardene, S.G.; Adikari, G.
A digital library for ola leave books
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) de Silva, N.; Adikari, G.; Piyadasa, J.D.A.I.; Dharmarathna, G.P.G.
The distribution of ABO and Rhesus (Rh) blood groups in purana inhabitants of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
(12th Annual Research Symposium, University of Kelaniya, 2011) Chandimal, K.M.; Yasawardene, S.G.; Adikari, G.
The ABO blood group system was discovered in 1901, and since then, has been of major importance in medicine. Racial and ethnic differences in blood type and composition are documented. The frequency with which blood types are observed is determined by the frequency with which the alleles of the ABO gene are found in different parts of the world. The blood type purity depends on migration, diseases, inter-relational reproductive opportunity, traditions and customs, geography, and the initial assigned blood type. The purana population in Sigiriya who face imminent threat of extinction, trace their ancestry to the times of the Sinhalese King of the 5th Century A.D. This study was carried out to determine the distribution of ABO and Rh phenotype in purana inhabitants of Talkote, Diyakepilla, Alakolaweva,Pidurangala, purana villages at the foot of Sigiriya rock. One thousand and ten purana inhabitants belonging to purana pedigree were included in this study and those who belong to other pedigrees were excluded. The individual selection was based on verbal pedigree analysis and pedigree was traced back to at least three generations. Capillary blood was used to determine the individual blood group by using commercially available anti A, anti B, anti D antibodies. More than 98% of purana population showed Rh positivity while the distribution of O, B, A, and AB phenotypes were 55%, 32%,10% and 03% respectively. The percentage distribution of blood group phenotype O of purana population is higher than the reported values of Sinhalese-45%, Tamils-39%, Muslims-42% and Burghers-45% in different racial groups in Sri Lanka, reported by N.S De Zoyza in 1985. The reported value of blood group O in vedda group is 47% according to Weber 2005, while the Australian Aborigines being 61% (World Blood Bank record). The percentage value of blood group phenotype A is comparable with the values of Veddas (9.8%) reported by Weber 2005 and this is contrasting with other racial groups in Sri Lanka, value being of more than 20% of each population. The percentage of phenotype A in purana inhabitants in Sigiriya is comparable with the Sakai (Malaysia), Nicobarese (Nicobars) primitive groups in Southeast Asia reported by Weber 2005. The percentage value of AB phenotype of purana inhabitants of Sigiriya is comparable with the Vedda group in Sri Lanka being 2% and Khmer (Combodia) primitive groups in Southeast Asia reported by Weber 2005. The blood group distribution of purana inhabitants confirms their isolated nature with minimum migration, inter-relational marriages and reproductive opportunity.
Do Terracotta Figurines Suggest a Burial Pattern?
(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Gunawardhana, P.; Coningharn, R.; Adikari, G.; Katugampola, M.; Namalgamuwa, H.; Saldin, M.; Simpson, I.; Batt, C.
Terracotta figurines were discovered extensively in the northern, north central and eastern dry zones of Sri Lanka. The discovered sites indicate that they arc closely connected with river basins, canals, tanks and agricultural landscapes (Deraniyagala, 1972). The fact that many of the sites were located in agricultural areas suggests terracotta figurines might have served as cult images due to their significance in the agricultural society. These figurines may be the offerings of the rural people who could not afford to dedicate more valuable items to the Gods. Possibly they may have acted as cult images of fertility in small shrines. The aim of this paper is to discuss the results of the excavation at Waragoda in Anuradhapura. This privately owned land is located I 00 meters away from the Y oda-ela left bank that flows into the Nuwara-weva in the Anuradhapura city centre. This site was identified by the Upper Malwatu Oya archaeological exploration project in 2007. In the same year a 1 x4 metre trench excavation was conducted adjoining the house as an archaeological rescue operation due to settler's decision to expand the house. The most common type of female and animal figurines found there represents a popular artistic form. The five female figurines which are sitting on the ship seem to have been made as two halves then joined together. Perhaps the heads were designed separately and connected to the figure showing classic techniques of production significant to this culture. The hairstyle and dress of the female figurines express the popular fashion and designs which may have existed in this culture. In addition to that the six vessels which were placed in a central position towards the north south direction plays a key role among the findings. Significantly male and female rock art faces engraved at Budugala in Ratnapura District also show a similar facial expression in terracotta. Most of the figurines were discovered on the surface level of the site. One of the main objectives of this excavation was to attempt to establish the chronological sequence of this culture. The figurines found from the site are in fragments as the objects were probably broken before the God after prayers. Then the figurines were accumulated in the shrine and carefully deposited into the grave beside the shrine.
Facial (Prosopic) Index in Purana Inhabitants at the Foot of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
(University of Kelaniya, 2012) Chandimal, K.M.; Yasawardene, S.G.; Adikari, G.
The physical dimensions of the human body depend on age, gender, race, geography, nutrition and many more factors. Cephalometry is an important branch of anthropometry which involves measurements of the head and face. The facial (prosopic) dimension is an important cephalometric parameter which is used to describe gender and racial differences. The Purana population in Sigiriya who face imminent threat of extinction, traces their ancestry to the times of the Sinhalese kings of the 5th century A.D. This study was carried out to describe facial morphological characteristics of Purana inhabitants living at Talkote, Diyakepilla, Pidurangala and Nagalaweva- Purana villages at the foot of Sigiriya. One hundred and seven (107) adult males and 208 adult female Purana inhabitants belonging to Purana pedigree were included in the study. The individual selection was based on verbal pedigree analysis, and pedigree was traced back to at least three generations and those who had craniofacial deformities were excluded from the study. The length and width of the face of the selected Purana inhabitants were measured by spreading caliper, and the facial index was calculated. In general, Purana female measurements were less compared to male. The face length ranged from 9.5cm to 13.5cm in males and 8.5cm to 12.8cm in females. The face width ranged from 10cm to 16cm in males and 10cm to 14cm in females. Among Purana inhabitants, a minimum facial index of 68 and a maximum of 100 was observed in both genders. The maximum facial index was 99 in males and 100 in females. The mean facial index of male inhabitants was 92 ± 5.1 while female was 90 ± 6.2. The results indicate that the dominant type of facial shape in Purana male and female is leptoprosopic, being 67% in male and 61% in female. Least common type was hypereuriprosopic in male (2%) and female (6%).The difference in mean morphology (facial index), facial length and facial width between the two genders was significant (P<0.05). The facial morphology of male and female Purana inhabitants being leptoprosopic differs from the reported facial morphology of Indian male as mesoprosopic and female as mesoprosopic (Vaishalia et al 2011). This study confirms the ethnic diversity of facial dimensions among different groups and races of human population and gender based variation.
First Palaeopathological Example of Dental Abscess from Pre-historic Sri Lanka
(Centre for Asian Studies, University of Kelaniya, 2015) Ranaweera, L.; Adikari, G.
Sri Lanka is an island off the tip of southeast of Indian subcontinent and possesses a pre-historic human skeletal record covering 34,000 years, which is inclusive of Meolithic period, Iron age and Historic period. Interestingly, the oldest skeletal remains of anatomically modern Homo sapiens (37 000 BP) reported from the South Asian region were discovered from the cave site, Fahien-lena, The archaeological excavation of Pallemalala shell midden in the southern part of the island was conducted by the Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya in 1997 and yielded six human skeletons, with additional fragments of human and faunal remains, together with stone implements belonging to the Mesolithic culture. Gross morphological analysis indicates abundant and well preserved dental evidences when compared to poor skeletal preservation. Among the collection, there is a left part of a mandible aged around 35-45 years of a male person with the evidence of a large dental abscess cavity associated with the antimortem tooth lost. The reports of palaeopathological conditions on skeletal materials are very rare and this finding highlights the very first dental abscess encountered in Pallemalala population who lived in 4500 BP in Sri Lanka. Since such dental pathology has the potential to provide insights into the composition of the diet, this will open a research path to determine disease progress with evolution.
Getting random for looking at reality
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Katugampola, M.; Gunawardhana, P.; Schmidt, A.; Coningham, R.; Manuel, M.; Simpson, I.; Strickland, K.; Adikari, G.
Havanvela: a Megalithic Cist Burial Site from the Matale District
(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Saldin, M.; Adikari, G.; Gunawardhana, P.
The megalithic mortuary complex of Sri Lanka falls primarily within the proto-historic period whose earliest manifestation in Sri Lanka is dated to 1000- 800 BC at Anuradhapura and Aligala shelter at Sigiriya (Deraniyagala 1992: 709-29, Karunaratne and Adikari 1994: 58). The megalithic burial tradition is one of the main features of this period although there is evidence of its survival to later periods as well (Seneviratne 1984). Havanvela is situated in close proximity to Galewela of the Matale District in the intermediary transitional eco zone. Preliminary investigations have revealed that Havanvela is a megalithic cist burial site. It is interesting to note that this burial is located in the Upper Kala Oya Region in close proximity to the cist burials of Ibbankatuva, Yatigalpotta and Anakatava. Of these sites Ibbankatuva is the only one to be assigned a radiocarbon range of 750- 400 BC. Hence it would be interesting to research the possibility of these sites being contemporary to each other especially considering the similarities in grave architecture. The Havanvela site is currently in danger of being destroyed du~ to the site being used as a general cemetery in modem times. The aim of this paper is to present a plan to protect and manage the heritage of this site in order to protect it from further destruction.
Heritage tourism: complexities of land management and archaeological presentation
(University of Kelaniya, 2006) Gunawardhana, P.; Adikari, G.; Hathurusinghe, S.; Katugampola, M.; Bandara, N.; Namalgamuwa, H.; Wijesuriya, D.
Ibbankatuwa is possibly the best-known megalithic burial site in Sri Lanka where can be attractive to, and capable of appreciation. It has grate potentiality to foster tourism. The massive heritage site, built in 700 BC is great significance. Ibbankatuwa and its environs is perhaps the most numinous and archaeologically sensitive region which is a major tourist destination. Most importantly, locating two World heritage sites such as Sigiriya and Dambulla are playing a key role within the zone. It is obvious that the maintenance of a massive land area, social life of the people within the land and archaeological presentation of the site are the major problems currently associated with Ibbankatuwa which needs to be managed. It is significant to secure the preservation of the site to promote the enhancement of the character and the appearance of the environs (Boniface and Fowler, 1993). Moreover, there are complexities of land ownership, land use and land management which have to be considered as a whole. More than ten hectares of land owned by the Archaeology Survey Department where twenty families are residing but they are not allowed to build permanent houses. Apart from that open land is used for agricultural purposes; basically the cultivation of grain and banana but these interventions also brings its problems to the heritage site. It is clear that the archaeological presentation in a formidable form is necessary to attract the tourists. The aim of this paper is to discuss the problems of the site and to provide suggestions for promotion to tourist attraction. The creation of the project planning at Ibbankatuwa on the basis of the cultural, tourist, recreational and educational asset would minimize destructions to the site and earn a substantial annual income for the country.
Human skeletal remains analysis from Pallemalala shell midden in Southern Sri Lanka.
(Chilean Society of Anatomy, Argentine Association of Anatomy and Panamerican Association of Anatomy., 2022) Ranaweera, L.; Adikari, G.
Sri Lanka, an island off the tip of the Southeast of the Indian subcontinent processes the earliest skeletal evidence of anatomically modern Homo sapiens (37,000 B.P.) and the best human skeletal record sequence in the South Asian region. Adding another to the list, the skeletal remains, which belong to Mesolithic culture were found at Pallemalala shell midden in Southern Sri Lanka during scientific archaeological exploration by Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology, University of Kelaniya. Sri Lanka. The aim of the study was to determine the minimum number of human individuals, age, sex, and pathological conditions related to the ancient Pallemalala commiunity. For the primary analysis, 426 bone fragments were available. Out of those, 233 bones were identified as human bones which represent 7 minimum number of individuals. The rest of the collection comprises some animal bones and shell species. The community was predominated by the female population. The identified age categories were around 20 years, between 35-45 years, and over 45 years. The encountered pathological lesions were bone thickening, alveolar resorption, dental abscesses, dental caries, antemorterm tooth loss, calculus deposits and brown colour stains on teeth. Regarding the dietary pattern, it was evident that their diet may have consisted of coarse foodstuffs with an extremely basic dietary chemistry.
The methods of subsistence of the Prehistoric people in the Sigiriya Dambulla region
(University of Kelaniya, 2006) Adikari, G.
Miniature art: female dominance of the terracotta figurines
(University of Kelaniya, 2008) Gunawardhana, P.; Coningham, R.; Adikari, G.; Strickland, K.; Katugampola, M.; Namalgamuwa, H.; Saldin, M.; Simpson, I.; Batt, C.
Morphology and Morphometry of Purana (Old) Villages: Pidurangala, Thalkote, Nagalawewa and Diyakepilla at Sigiriya Suburbs, Sri Lanka
(19th Conference on Postgraduate Research, International Postgraduate Research Conference 2018, Faculty of Graduate Studies,University of Kelaniya, Sri Lanka, 2018) Chandimal, K. M.; Adikari, G.; Yasawardene, S.G.
The present human population living in Sigiriya suburbs with the Purana surnames such as Aluthgedara, Gamagedara, Undiyagedara, Millagahagedara, Kongahagedara etc are considered as the Purana population whose ancestry could be traced back to the times of Sinhalese Kings of 5th Century A.D (1,450 YBP). The quantitative (morphometrical) and qualitative (morphological) anthropological traits of the Purana populations (n=313) representing Purana villages: Pidurangala, Thalkote, Nagalawewa and Diyakepilla at Sigiriya suburbs were investigated. The quantitative anthropological traits such as height, cranial index, facial index, nasal index and qualitative traits such as skin colour, hair type and colour etc of thePurana population revealed that the Purana populations living in these four villages' possess increased variations. Results analyzed by ANOVA showed higher variations of most of studied phenotypic characteristics (morphometrical) among Purana female populations living in four villages in Sigirya suburbs. Principle component analysis (PCA) confirmed that Purana male populations of Talkote and Diyakepilla are closer in terms of morphometrical characteristics while the inhabitants at Pidurangala and Nagalaweva are quite isolated from the rest of the population. In contrast to male population, PCA analysis of female populations living in four villages are morphometrically placed in different clusters. The gender, pedigree or caste system, geographical location and socioeconomic status have been identified as limiting factors for the extent of phenotypic divergence among the Purana population. When comparing the present findings and other documented studies based on morphological and morphometrical traits of population groups in Sri Lanka, the analysed percentage distribution of each blood groups (A, B, AB, O and Rh) of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims, Burgers and the Purana population showed that the Purana population was phenotypically different from the rest of Sri Lankans. The individual quantitative traits (stature, cranial length, cranial breadth, facial height, facial length etc) and qualitative anthropological traits (skin colour, hair type and colour) of the Purana population were observed to be different when compared with other Sri Lankans.
Morphometric and morphological analysis of prehistoric skeletal remains excavated from Pothana, Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
(Sri Lanka Association for the Advancement of Science, 2011) Chandimal, K.M.; Yasawardene, S.G.; Adikari, G.
Pothana-Sigiriya, a prehistoric Mesolithic heritage site in Sri Lanka has yielded three human skeletons dating back to 4500-5000 BC according to radiocarbon (C14) dating. The detailed morphometric and morphological analysis was performed on human skeletons excavated from Pothana, Sigiriya and presently displayed at National Museum Sri Lanka, Sigiriya Museum and at Osteology laboratory, Postgraduate Institute of Archaeology (PGIAR), University of Kelaniya. The skeleton at National Museum with less prominent superciliary arches, the medium sized mastoid process, less prominent muscle attachment sites over the cranium and wide sciatic notch of the pelvic bone was comparable with that of females. The estimated age was around 25–35 years considering the complete eruption of all 3 molars and the wearing pattern. The skeleton presently at the Sigiriya museum with prominent morphological features of highly robust, heavy, prominent muscle attachment sites, the large mastoid process, highly marked superciliary arches, prominent external occipital protuberance and narrow sciatic notch of the pelvic bone was comparable with that of males. Since all three molars were fully erupted and showed no signs of wearing on their occlusal surfaces, the estimated age was around 25–30 years. The cranium displayed at PGIAR is probably female according to observed small size of the mastoid processes. The age and stature estimation was not possible as the available teeth were mineralized and limb bones were not available. Using the measured lengths of restored long bones and applying regression formulae of Trotter & Gleser (1952) and Krogman (1962), the reconstructed height of the extinct female and male is 170 cm and 173.61 cm respectively. This estimated height is more than the mean height of the present day population (164.6 cm and 151.3 cm for males and females reported in Priyanga et al. 2010). The current study confirms reports by Kennedy (1965) that with the male being 164.70 cm and the female 164 cm, Balangoda man was taller than the mean height of the modern Sri Lankan population. This contrasts with the reconstructed mean height of males 140.05 cm of Bellan bandi pallassa skeletal remains as reported by Kanthilatha 2008.
The new chronology for Sri Lanka: the identification of new culturalphase “ Postmesolithic”
(University of Kelaniya, 2007) Adikari, G.; Thantilage, A.