The arts and craft industry in Sri Lanka – By Dr harold Gunatillake
Website: www.Doctorharold.com
Wood carving is a centuries-old tradition in Sri Lanka, known for a variety of products like jewellery, figurines, sculptures, and toys.
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Discover the vibrant arts and crafts industry of Sri Lanka. Immerse yourself in a world of exquisite handmade creations that showcase the skill and talent of local artisans. From intricate wood carvings to beautifully woven textiles, Sri Lanka’s arts and crafts scene is a must-see for any discerning traveller. Come and explore the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful country through its unique and captivating art forms. With the increased tourist influx, while enjoying the beauty of the resplendent island, they show keenness to take home a souvenir made of wood or brass and other lacquered products. The heavier items like craft furniture and rich crafts are shipped by the shops where they are purchased.
This is becoming a significant cottage industry in Sri Lanka, scattered almost into every town and the wayside streets, providing expert training and a job, for the young educated youth in respective villages. The traditional wood carving handicraft 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.
– Wood carving in Sri Lanka, has a great history since the birth time of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. When arahat Bikkhu Mahinda arrived in Sri Lanka in 247 BC, he brought a wood craftsman in that crew, which was the beginning of the implementation of wood carving in Sri Lanka. Lankathilaka Temple and Ambekke Devalaya in Kandy, and other historical sites.
Our devil masks are unique. They are connected to folklore and worn when performing ritual healing when a person is chronically ill These rituals are performed in the villages at night with drum beats and men wearing these masks and dancing to the beats, to get rid of the evil
spirits that cause mental diseases among the people. Such wild dances seem to cure most mental disorders.
One of the most popular and ancient acts is the 18 Sanni, which 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 novel, a devil dance, is performed. Other popular mask dances or dramas are Kolam and Raksha, one a comedic performance and the other.
Wood carvings for wall hangings, furniture and small items have become a cottage industry in a big way. Ebony is mainly used to craft small elephants and other souvenirs, like jewellery boxes that can be carried in your luggage. Jewellery like necklaces and earrings are also crafted with wood.
They are all very cheap for the artistry and the time taken to craft these items.
The coastal town of Ambalangoda is known for its wooden masks, which depict demons, gods and animals. Raksha masks, which portray 24 demons, including the cobra and fire devil, are worn at festivals, while Sanni masks are used in exorcisms and Kolam masks for comic dances.
I had the opportunity to visit a woodcraft workshop and display in Naura, a town on Matale Dambulla road.
I was so taken up with the youth in their creative moods, concentrating on their workmanship to produce such beautiful pieces of art and crafts.
Popular handicrafts, I saw included gold and silver jewellery set with gems, wooden masks, lacquer work and ceramic.
Now let me take you around this workshop to show you the wonderful woodcraft products that most tourists visit seem to purchase and carry with them as a memento. The bigger carvings are well-packed and shipped to their destination.
According to Jayawarna (2020), Sri Lanka’s creative industry has shown consistent growth, from $433.63 million in 2010 to $845.41 million in 2014. The crafting
sector employs around 62% of the creative industry workforce, contributing 5.3% to the country’s GDP in 2020.
Carved wooden furniture and household items are also popular amongst locals and foreigners. To purchase or even get your customised wood carving or furniture set, drop by any wood shop found in most major towns. Whilst in Colombo the best place to find these is Laksala, a store that houses all sorts of traditional arts and crafts including antiques.
Hope you enjoyed watching this video on the handcraft industry in Sri Lanka. It is still a growing industry. Stay safe, visit these sites on your next trip to Sri Lanka, and take them back home as mementos.
Stay healthy and goodbye for now.
