The figure of the Virgin Mary is depicted here wearing a crown as, according to the Roman Catholic tradition, she is the Queen of Heaven. She stands on a crescent moon with the Child Christ on her left arm portrayed as the Saviour of the World. He holds the orb, a symbol of his sovereignty on his left hand and making the sign of the cross blessing the believers with his right hand.Christian sculptures made from ivory were one of the most common artistic goods made in Asia for export to Europe where they were highly sought after. Many Europeans travellers in the 16th century have accounted on the high standards of Sri Lankan ivory carvers.
