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.

Earlier these crafts were a part of our day to day life.Now too they play a role.For example, we light the oil lamp when we start some new venture.The lamp has niches for nine wicks.These are meant to be for the “nawagraha”.But now the lamps are decorated with jasmine flowers like an offering made in the Hindu temple.The traditional lamp had a rooster at the top.This is now sometimes replaced with other symbols.So tradition is continued with change.

Wood carving is a very popular handicraft even today,in our country.The Embakke temple built in the 14^th 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.