An analytical review of ancient coating technology employed at Sigiriya, Sri Lanka

A groundbreaking analysis reveals the sophisticated ancient coating technology used at Sigiriya, Sri Lanka's 5th-century rock fortress. The study identifies key materials such as Sesame oil, Dorana oil, Hal Dummala, and plant gums through modern chemical studies, offering insights into their compositional properties. This research not only sheds light on the advanced techniques of ancient civilizations but also opens avenues for developing sustainable, environmentally friendly coatings that could inspire future material science innovations beyond historical replicas.

Rathnayake, R. M. K. M., Mendis, M. S., Galabada, H., & Halwatura, R. U. (2025). An analytical review of ancient coating technology employed at Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. Npj Heritage Science, 13(1). https://doi.org/10.1038/s40494-025-01745-4