Handicrafts in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a heritage of handicrafts.All crafts are made by hand.These handicrafts include weaving cloth,making baskets,leather items,pottery,jewellary,woodwork,brasswork and masks etc.Our handicrafts are an important part of the crafts tradition of our country.We must protect and maintain the flower of our heritage,so that they don’t disappear with time.
Wood carving is a very popular handicraft even today,in our country.The Embakke temple built in the 14th century is famous the world over for its carved wooden pillars with intricate designs.
Masks are also imaginative creations of the village craftsmen coming down from ancient times.Masks are made of wood and used for rituals and folk plays.Masks are carved by craftsmen according to patterns approved by custom and tradition.Ambalangoda is famous for its mask making industry.
Dumbara mats,jewellery,rattan baskets etc.are other traditional products that show our traditional arts and crafts.Some handicrafts are limited to certain areas in the island; it is because of the availability of the special material used and other historical factors.Most brassware is used as decorative ornaments.These are very popular as gifts and souvenirs.Pilimatalawa is a place famous for brass work.