The elaborate moonstone at its base is in itself a
distinctive element of ancient sculpture in the island.
These semi-circular slabs of granite or gneiss acquired
increasingly complex bands of decorations over the
years. They range from the near abstract tongues of fire
and bands of creeper vines - to symbolic interpretations
of the four perils of life. The latter consists of the elephant, a symbol of birth,
the bull indicative of decay; the lion, resent in
disease. and the geese, a symbol of death. Some also
band of geese, which represents the dist between good,
and evil. To some, the moon-stone is symbolic of
transcending worldly temptations and achieving nib bane.
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