Traditional Crafts in Sri Lanka, Best Buys

Sinhalese Masks, Pottery & Basketry, Batik & Lace, Costume Jewellery

Aug 30, 2009

Sri Lanka's traditional crafts reflect the island's rich heritage and delight visitors in search of quality items at affordable prices.

Sri Lanka’s traditional crafts date back to the ancient kingdoms when artisans and artists enjoyed the lavish patronage of royal rulers. From Sinhalese ritual masks to costume jewellery, from wood carving to lacquered pottery or basketwork, they embellished palaces and temples. Skills handed down through generations remain an integral part of the island’s culture.

In fixed price emporiums or beach stalls where bargaining is the rule, temptation is everywhere, catering to all tastes and budgets. Some of Ceylon's finest items are found in village workshops where families work on their doorstep, potters, woodcarvers, weavers, lace makers or silversmiths.

Sinhalese Masks and Wood Carving

Colourful, often fierce, Sinhalese masks play a major role in traditional dancing and drama and in long established rituals designed to keep away evil. They are treated with respect and carved from Diya Kanduru wood, light, strong and insect resistant.

There are 18 Sanni masks to cure each of 18 common illnesses, Kolam masks to be worn in drama and versatile Raksha masks which may represent peacocks, cobras or mythical birds.

Other common objects carved with chisel and mallet include ebony elephants, vases and jewellery boxes, often finished with fine lacquer.

Pottery is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest crafts, traditionally providing 75% of kitchen implements, from water jugs to pots in all shapes and sizes. Potters also fashion oil lamps for the temples, vases and figurines and a range of auspicious ornaments. Most pottery is decorated before firing.

Basket ware comes in many forms, colourful or plain, woven from palm leaves or other natural fibre. There are hats, purses and bags, wall hangings and cushion covers from wild hemp growing in the hills, coir mats from coconut fibre and dumburra mats with striking geometric patterns. Small items make excellent souvenirs, as decorative as they are useful.

Batik involves applying one dye at a time while protecting the rest of the fabric with wax. It’s a long skilful process and Sri Lankan artists achieve some fabulous patterns and colours. Even a simple two tone beach sarong is a joy to handle while intricate items will please the most exclusive clientele.

Lace was introduced by the Portuguese. The finest 'pillow lace' is found in Galle where white table cloths and mats flap in the breeze along the ramparts.

From chunky gold ornaments to delicate silverwork, Sri Lanka’s costume jewellery follows two main traditions. Kandyan jewellery is all about metal work, specialising in fine silver filigree, while in the Galle Low Country tradition, metal is merely an agent to display the most glorious gems in Sri Lanka.

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