OHeraldo acknowledges with appreciation that The Karava People of Sri Lanka, a social media page dedicated to promoting the heritage of the Karava community, has shared a post highlighting the book Ancient Catholic Sculptures of Sri Lanka. The book was recently featured in an article published on 2nd September 2024 by the O Heraldo news platform. Thank you for helping bring wider attention to this important work on Sri Lanka’s cultural and religious heritage.
The comprehensive research book Ancient Catholic Sculptures of Sri Lanka is the result of over six years of dedicated work by Lindamulage Romein Nimantha Silva and Warnakulasooriya Thilina Yohan Rodrigo.
Romein Nimantha Silva, a Sri Lankan Catholic art enthusiast who manages a family business, is currently studying European sculptural arts in Italy to further deepen his expertise. His co-author, Thilina Yohan Rodrigo, works at the Basilica Pontificia di Sant'Antonio di Padova in Italy and is pursuing studies in Renaissance art. Their academic backgrounds and professional experience have greatly enriched the depth and authenticity of the book’s research.
The project began in 2018 and faced numerous challenges, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, which disrupted access to archives, field studies, and collaboration. Despite these obstacles, the authors remained committed to completing the work.
Their primary motivation was to address the lack of comprehensive studies on ancient Catholic sculptures in Sri Lanka. The book also highlights the significant influence of Goan and Indo-Portuguese artistic traditions on Sri Lankan Catholic art—a shared heritage often overlooked in historical documentation.
Guided by the insights of Fr Giuliano Abram, Fr Adriano Zorzi, Fr Salvatore Ruzza, and Fr Amerigo Afonso, the authors compiled a detailed record that aims to preserve this important aspect of cultural and religious history.
During their extensive research for Ancient Catholic Sculptures of Sri Lanka, the authors uncovered several remarkable examples of Goan sacred art housed in the private collection of Mr Frazer Andrade, a noted Goan history enthusiast and admirer of Christian art.
Frazer’s collection stands out for its diversity and historical importance, featuring statues crafted from ivory, wood, and bone. These pieces date back to the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries and exemplify the intricate artistry of their time.
Many of the statues are exceptionally rare, offering valuable insights into the materials, styles, and techniques employed by Goan sculptors over the centuries. Together, they highlight the region’s rich cultural and religious heritage, making the collection an invaluable resource for scholars and art lovers alike.