Preliminary Results of the Yodhawewa Archaeological Research in Sri Lanka - 2018: Exploration, Excavations, Findings, and Radiocarbon Datings

Abstract

This archaeological research aimed to investigate the authentic metalworking activities of the Yodhawewa area and examine contemporary socio-economic movements based on discovered material culture. The entire research work was carried out in 2018 based on a surface survey and two excavations in an area of about 201600m2 on the outskirts of Yodhawewa reservoir. The C14 chronology confirms the 1st-8th centuries activities, and in this research obtained a considerable artefacts collection related to metal extraction, copper metalwork, and crucible steel production. This research also discovered that half of a lower spherical (crucible-typed) metal furnace was used to produce crucible steel for the first time in Sri Lanka. Artefacts such as coins, BRW, RW, and some porcelain prove that the site maintained cultural relations with India and China in the c. 1st century and 8th century AD. Other artefacts of this site include ceramics, beads, faunal remains, minerals, and rocks that have been used for human needs for a considerable period. This article discusses at length the archaeological evidence that the Yodhawewa region is a metalworking site that has been active since the early historical period of Sri Lanka and a place that reflects national and international cultural relations.