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Conclusion
The incorporation of mosaic art into the stūpa architecture of Sri Lanka is a rich and
multifaceted phenomenon shaped by religious devotion, artistic innovation, socio-
political structures, and cross-cultural interactions. Mosaic art serves not only as
decoration but also as a powerful communicative tool that encodes spiritual, cultural,
and historical meanings.
Through the analytical lenses of Social Semiotic Theory, this research highlights the
complex interplay of factors, ranging from elite patronage and foreign influence to
religious symbolism and national identity, that have influenced the development of
this art form. As both a historical artifact and a form of artistic expression, mosaic art
in Sri Lankan stūpas offers a unique window into the island's evolving cultural
landscape. By incorporating fragments of ceramic and porcelain products, Buddhists
visually expressed their resistance. Through its designs and symbolic imagery, mosaic
art embodies both tangible and intangible values, linking artistic expression to the
communication of complex memories and the visualization of ideologies.
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