Arts and crafts in Sri Lanka

Masks are deeply connected to Sri Lankan folk-lore and take on a functional role where they are used in healing rites and rituals. Known popularly as devil dances, some are dance-drama performances that tell an elaborate story and is enacted by experienced dancers and actors wearing these masks.

One of the most popular and ancient acts is the 18 Sanni that are thought to represent diseases or ailments caused by yakkas (devils). Eighteen masks carved to represent the torment felt through these diseases are worn by an exorcist and a tovil, a devil dance, is performed. Other popular mask dances or dramas are Kolam and Raksha, one a comedic performance and the other masks mainly used in festivals and processions. 

Ambalangoda is known to be the heart of mask carving with many shops dotting the roadside as you drive along this coastal town. If you happen to pop into one of the stores, you will be able to see how these masks are carved and painted with brilliant colours and take one along as well.

Long ago handloom was reserved exclusively for the royalty and the renowned in the country and special villages were designated to practice the craft. However, now Handloom is generally found around the island as a self-employed or entrepreneurial activity where this skill which has been passed down from generation to generation has been revived and practised.

Among handloom products in Sri Lanka are, curtains, cushion covers and other household decorative items, saris and garments as well as everyday items such as books and bags.

Handwoven fabrics, with their vibrant colours and simple or elaborate patterns, have become a favourite among shoppers.

Dumbara weaves, a unique work of art once found only as decorative pieces and mats are now seen integrated into the modern world; it can now be seen infused with designs of wall hangings and decorative items, bags and purses, rugs and carpets along with household utilities such as table mats and sheets.

The art is said to have originated in the village of Thalagune Uda Dumbara, where still a handful of Dumbara weavers—descendants of the ones who practised the craft during the Kandyan era still remains carrying on the legacy. The skill is well guarded within the few families that hold the secret to this amazing art.

The designs found on the Dumbara weaver’s products are specific to the Sri Lankan culture and reflect the traditions within its intricate weave-work. 

These skillfully made traditional handicrafts are a very popular choice amongst tourists and seekers of tokens depicting Sri Lankan culture. Originating in central Sri Lanka, the knowledge of lacquer making has spread throughout the island over the centuries. 

The base product for the traditional lacquerware is a wax derived from a species of insects, which is imported from India. Whilst the age-old methods are used by some, new tools and procedures introduced with time are preferred by the others in the making of these complex and exquisite designs.

Colourful and bright walking sticks, handles of flags and hand-fans, bowls, vases, containers and decorative items made with lacquer work are seen island-wide.

The traditional drums, or Bera, is undoubtedly part of the Sri Lankan culture. 

The special skill and craftsmanship required for the making of these drums are possessed by a numbered few—communities across Kurunegala and Hodiyadeniya in the Kandy district. 

The body of the drum is fashioned mostly out of Jack tree, and the skin is made out of an animal hide. After long hours of divided work within each group, the keen and detail-oriented drum makers present beautifully shaped and designed drums with the right sound.

Drum making is also largely practised in Hikkaduwa located in the Southern region of Sri Lanka.

The palmyrah tree is used widely in Sri Lanka to make a diverse range of products from the sweet ‘Hakuru’, a type of jaggery (the produce of concentrated palm sap) to handicrafts items such as baskets and bags. 

Hakuru is a local favourite, especially among those who are fond of sweets and an authentic Sri Lankan meal spread is rarely seen without a serving of jaggery. A long and patience-testing procedure is required to prepare the Hakuru. The sap tapped from the ‘Kithul Palm’ trees are cleaned, strained and fermented to perfection over a span of hours. A particular skill is required for the process to deliver Sri Lanka’s favourite dessert.

Products made out of brass have been used in everyday life in Sri Lanka. Brass products are either wrought or cast and adorned with carvings or designs. Some of these products include artefacts used for religious purposes such as oil lamps, as well as household utilities including boxes, baskets, chairs, trays, containers, locks, hinges and vases. 

It is very likely that you will come across some of these products being sold on the pavements of Colombo.

Looking back, we see that jewellery has always been embedded into the culture and heritage of Sri Lanka. In ancient times, silver, gold and gem-adorned bangles, necklaces and rings among other ornaments were considered a mark of royalty and privilege, whereas today, jewellery is available for purchase for any who fancy a piece of perfectly crafted jewellery. 

At present, jewellery made in Sri Lanka—either traditional in design or modern and up to international standards, is a very well reputed and sought after merchandise worldwide. Compared to how jewellery was created generations ago, modern technology and tools have at times been incorporated now, into the making of the jewellery, where one can see age-old traditions and designs infused with modernity.

Sri Lanka, famed for precious and semi-precious stones, especially blue sapphires, is a sure choice when it comes to purchasing jewellery.

Lacemaking, a pastime caught on from Portuguese and Dutch women during the colonial times, has now developed into a reputed household industry, mostly around the South Western Coast of Sri Lanka. Lacemaking households can be seen in Weligama, Galle, Matara and Hambantota. And it is indeed quite fascinating to see how the hands dexterously handle the tools to create intricate patterns, something that you should not miss if you happen to come across a household engaged in the art of making beeralu lace and perhaps even have a go at it if they allow. 

A skill that is almost exclusively found amongst women, these lace-making techniques are found as trimmings on dresses, curtains, table spreads, garments and covers for pillows, cushions and chairs.

Cane crafts are found within certain areas in Sri Lanka, such as Bibile in Monaragala District, Polonnaruwa and Weweldeniya in the Gampaha District where cane is grown. Cane is used to make tables and chairs, baskets, containers and decorative and household items.

Cane stalks are bent and wound into different shapes while being heated, and it is known to last for up to 15 years or more. A favoured local product, cane woven products are found in almost every household.

One of the oldest lines of craftwork in Sri Lanka, pottery is still popular in this modern day of steel and plastic. 

Clay pottery mainly consists of a spinning wheel with soft clay placed on top, ready to be moulded into the required shape and the follow-up steps such as keeping the shaped pot in a brick oven to solidify the figurine. 

The clay pots with their rustic look, solid texture and historic background are perhaps, what draws most towards its charm. In addition to clay pots, terracotta figures, vases and other utensils are made from clay pottery as well. One of the most famous areas for clay pottery is Molagoda, a small village situated along the Colombo-Kandy road.

The traditional handicraft of wood carving has been around in Sri Lanka for centuries. 

Various collections of wood carved products sold in Sri Lanka include ornaments and jewellery pieces, figurines, sculptures, lacquer products, boxes and toys.

Carved wooden furniture and household items are also a popular buy amongst locals and foreigners alike. To purchase or even to get your own customized wood carving or set of furniture drop by any woodshop in Moratuwa.

With roots tracing back to Indonesia, the creation of Batiks have earned a title role in the definition of Sri Lankan handicrafts. Its intriguing designs and combinations of hues offer an in-depth look into the picturesque landscapes, flora and Kandyan era designs from which most design inspirations are sparked.

Each stage of the production process of the Sri Lankan Batik is done by hand and it is fabricated entirely on pure cotton or silk fabric.

Mostly used in sheets, paintings, wall hangings and decorative items, Batiks have also taken over the fashion industry, resulting in various looks with Batik fabrics.

The production of coir rope and products have been in play for countless years in Sri Lanka. The production process is comprised of several intricate stages involving the soaking and processing of the coconut husk, extraction of the coir fibre following the separation of the coir and then finally being twisted and spun into rope. 

Though traditionally, the coir rope is spun completely by hand, the large-scale manufacturing of coir products, influenced greatly by the increase of imports has implemented machinery to aid in the creation.

Popular coir products include carpets, mats, brooms and brushes to name a few.

The Sinhalese term ‘sesath’ translates to ‘white umbrella’. 

The sesath is considered an auspicious object which has been in the Sri Lankan heritage for numerous years, and a symbol of respect, status and privilege. It is believed that the origin of sesath can be traced to the arrival of Arahat Theri Sangamitta to the country from India.

It comprises of multicoloured woven palm leaf strips which are sewn onto the mica and palm base of the umbrella, which is attached to a lacquered pole. Today, the sesath is also available as a decorative item and can be purchased in handicraft stores.