Handcrafted Heritage: Sri Lanka’s Traditional Arts and Crafts

By Mehar Deep Kaur -
September 28, 2024

Sri Lanka, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” is a nation steeped in cultural richness and historical significance. It is a small island country on the world map, but it boasts a diverse and vibrant heritage, reflected in its traditional arts and crafts, which have been passed down through generations. These crafts are deeply intertwined with their culture, serving as a testament to the island’s history, beliefs, and identity. These art forms, an integral part of the nation’s cultural fabric, embody the creativity, spirituality, and craftsmanship of its people.


Vibrant Hues of Sri Lanka | © Copyright 2024. Olanka Travels


Traditional carved masks in Galle | © Copyright 2024. kimkim, Inc

The Origins

The history of their traditional arts and crafts can be traced back thousands of years, deeply rooted in the island’s ancient kingdoms and their sophisticated cultures. The early Sinhalese civilization, and the influence of Buddhism, laid the foundation for many of these crafts, shaping the aesthetic and spiritual aspects of Sri Lankan art.

Not only was the country colonized by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, but also as trade routes expanded, Sri Lanka became a crossroad for various cultures, including those from India, China, and the Arab world. These interactions brought new materials, techniques, and ideas, enriching the island’s artistic traditions.


The intricate murals, frescoes, and statues of Dambulla | © Copyright 2024. kimkim, Inc

A deep dive into some of the most exquisite Arts and Crafts of Sri Lanka

Handloom Weaving

Handloom weaving is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest crafts, with a history that spans over two millennia. In the olden days, it was reserved for royalty, and special villages were appointed to practice the craft.

It involves weaving threads into the fabric using a manually operated loom, a process that requires great skill and patience. The materials used are typically cotton and silk, with natural dyes providing a rich palette of colors.

Today, handloom weaving is particularly popular in regions such as Kandy, Kurunegala, and Jaffna. These fabrics are often used to create traditional attire such as saris and sarongs, which are worn during cultural and religious ceremonies, and also household items like cushion covers and curtains.


Combining the craft of weaving with the art of design | Barefoot Ceylon ©Selvedge

Batik Art

This Indonesian craft was introduced to Sri Lanka during the colonial period and has since become an integral part of the island’s artistic landscape.

Batik is a textile art form that involves applying wax to fabric in specific patterns and then dyeing the cloth. The wax resists the dye, creating intricate designs when removed. Batik designs in Sri Lanka often feature bold colors and geometric or floral patterns. These textiles are used in clothing, wall hangings, and home decor, adding a vibrant touch to any setting, and it comes as no surprise that Lanka’s Batik art is of the finest quality!

Today, the contemporary use of batik extends beyond traditional attire, with designers incorporating it into modern fashion and accessories.


Batik ceiling panel, ‘Snail and Grasshopper’, Bentota Beach Hotel (1967–1969), Sri Lanka | M+, Hong Kong, © Aluwihare Heritage Centre, Nuwan Attanayake

Mask and Drum Making

Mask and drum making are closely connected to Sri Lanka’s rich folklore and ritualistic performances. Scary wooden masks, often painted in vivid colors, are used in traditional dances and healing ceremonies and are believed to embody various deities or spirits. Drums are integral to Sri Lankan music and dance, with each type of drum associated with specific cultural or religious functions.


Folk dances maintain a close entanglement with deities, blessings, evil, and fortune. | Photo credit: www.srilankafestival.com.au

In modern times, these crafts have found new relevance as symbols of Sri Lankan heritage, with masks and drums often featured in cultural festivals, as decorative items in homes and public spaces, and as popular souvenirs for tourists.


The beating drum of Sri Lanka, making the heart beat | Photo credits: Kandy Esala Perahera

Pottery and Ceramics

Pottery and ceramics have been central to Sri Lankan life since ancient times, with the land producing beautiful earthenware and ornamental pieces. It holds significant cultural importance as it is commonly used in cooking, religious rituals, and daily household tasks.

Notable pottery centers include the villages of Molagoda and Dediyawala, known for their distinctive styles, where you can watch skilled craftsmen wield a pottery wheel to create works of art.


The Pottery Museum and Artisans of Biyagama | Source: A Muddy Road

Lacquer Work (Laksha)

Lacquer work, or Laksha, is a traditional craft that involves applying layers of lacquer to wood, metal, or clay objects, in intricate patterns inspired by nature and further coloring with vibrant natural pigments.

Once a dying art, this labor-intensive skill is now being revitalized. Common items made using lacquer techniques include decorative boxes, jewelry, and ceremonial objects. Lacquer work is particularly significant in the Kandyan region, where it has been practiced for centuries and remains an important part of the local culture.


Sri Lanka’s traditional Laksha Industry | © 2024 Chariot Tours & Travels (PVT) Ltd

Wood Carving

Wood carving has been an essential aspect of religious and cultural expression, particularly in the creation of temple decorations (the best example is the 14th-century Embekka Temple in Kandy), furniture, and ceremonial objects. The types of wood used in Sri Lankan carving include ebony, teak, and jak, each chosen for its durability and beauty.

Common motifs often include religious or floral symbols, reflecting the island’s Buddhist heritage. Intricately carved doors, windows, and pillars are a testament to the skill of Sri Lankan artisans.

Rajanima Craft’s workshop, which was established in 1988 in Kandy, is the perfect place to witness artisans sketching, chiseling, and dyeing wood with lime and honey, right in front of your eyes.


Wood Working at Rajanima Craft | Source: srilanka.for91days.com

Jewellery Making

Jewelry holds great importance in Sri Lankan rituals and ceremonies, particularly in weddings and religious festivals. The designs often incorporate symbols of prosperity, protection, and spirituality, making them cherished heirlooms passed down through generations. Traditional techniques involve the use of precious metals like gold and silver, often adorned with gemstones such as sapphires, rubies, and emeralds.

Even today, the industry is one of the major income sources of the country’s economy. The National Museum is known for displaying a wide array of jewelry items worn by kings and queens and the city of Ratnapura is a treasure trove of such valuable jewels. And let us warn you that you might not be able to resist picking up a few pieces from there!


Sri Lankan jewellery- the epitome of exquisite workmanship | © 2024 Soul Experiential Travel Pvt Ltd

Brass and Metalware

Brass and metalware crafts have been part of Sri Lanka’s artistic traditions for centuries, and they are used to create everything from religious artifacts to everyday utensils. The process involves shaping and engraving metal, often resulting in highly detailed, durable and ornate pieces.


Traditional Brass Craftsmanship in Sri Lanka | © 2024 Chariot Tours & Travels (PVT) Ltd

Sesath, Coir, Beeralu Lace, Palmyrah Products

These crafts represent the diverse and region-specific traditions of Sri Lanka. Sesath (ceremonial umbrellas), coir (coconut fiber products), Beeralu lace (a form of bobbin lace), and Palmyrah products (items made from the Palmyrah palm) are all integral to the island’s cultural practices.


Sesath- ceremonial sunshade |© 2024, Serendip


Beeralu Lacework by Disani Handcrafts | © 2023 Kiptra


Palmyrah Products | © 2024 FantAsia Tours Management

Culture, Religion, and Everything in Between

Sri Lanka’s traditional arts and crafts are deeply intertwined with religious rituals, serving both functional and symbolic roles in Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim practices. These crafts are a vital connection to the island’s spiritual and cultural heritage; a connection to their deeper self.

Challenges of the Modern World & Resurgence

The rise of mass production and the influx of cheaper, imported goods have threatened the livelihoods of local artisans. Additionally, younger generations are increasingly turning away in favor of more lucrative professions, leading to a decline in the number of skilled craftsmen.

In response, initiatives by the government, NGOs, and a growing eco-conscious market have sparked a revival of these crafts. Artisans & craft villages are adapting their techniques and designs to suit modern tastes, creating products & services that appeal to contemporary consumers and tourists while preserving traditional methods. These art forms and artisans serve as both custodians and innovators of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.


Buddha sculptures and statues of Sri Lanka | Source: srilankanexpeditions.co.uk

References

https://www.timeout.com/sri-lanka/art/arts-and-crafts-in-sri-lankahttps://www.aartzy.com/aartzest/traditional-arts-and-crafts-of-sri-lanka-6288 https://www.bestoflanka.com/sri-lanka-holiday-travel-advisor/traditional-arts-and-crafts-of-sri-lanka.phphttps://www.invelsrilanka.com/whyvisit.php?why=art https://www.wanderlustmagazine.com/ inspiration/ sri-lanka-crafts-to-buy/https://www.britannica.com/place/Sri-Lanka/History https://www.britannica.com/place/Sri-Lanka/British-Ceylon-1796-1900 https://www.britannica.com/topic/history-of-Sri-Lanka https://nexttravelsrilanka.com/arts-and-crafts-in-sri-lanka/ https://www.linkedin.com/ pulse/ comprehensive-guide- sri-lankan- culture-cuisine-traditions-skdnc/