The ancient craft holds an exalted position among all the crafts in Sri Lanka . Many early 'water dippers' are now collector's items, some with fine a ' quality, silver-mounted carvings. The artisans specializing in the craft are found in the western coastal region.

Sri Lanka has a long tradition of mask-making, with most masks featuring carved shopping of demons, divine beings, legendary characters and animals. In earty times they were used as part of 'devil dancing' rituals to exorcise spirits and illness. They also feature prominently in traditional Sinhalese theatre. About 15,000 museums around the world house Sinhalese mask collections, among them the BOtish Museum . The majority of mask-making artisans are found in the southern and western provinces

Adapted from the Indonesian classic art, Batik gained elitist status in medieval Sri Lanka , featuring prominently in the Kandyan Court in the form of banners, wall hangings and the ceremonial dress of the nobility. Today most batik artists are located in the western province, Colombo in particular.

The long, unbroken pottery tradition goes back over the centuries to the proto-historic period, or the time predating recorded history. Terracotta artisans in contemporary Sri Lanka create a large and varied range of decorative pieces in addition to the more traditional religious and utilitarian pottery. The majority of pottery artisans live in the western and central provinces.

 

~~~~~ Sasika Tours of Sri Lanka ~~~~~