Treasure island magazine march

Barring its sandy beaches, ancient cities and unique ecosystems, Sri Lanka is known for its traditional crafts, which are often practiced by artisans whose families have been doing this for millennia.

Fearfully secretive about their techniques, these artisans now depend heavily on tourism to sell their products - crafted by rudimentary tools using indigenous raw materials.

Despite modernity and the relaxation of entry barriers, often each traditional craft is practiced by members of a specific socio-occupational group and perhaps with the exception of jewellery is still a cottage industry.

Despite the efforts of the artisans to preserve the 'purity' of their crafts, and not excluding the continuation of unique characteristics, the industry has also been subject to change. A few handicrafts, which combine modern raw material and traditional technology, like batik and handlooms, introduced only in the last few decades, have become popular. On the other hand, changing social norms and regulations have either contributed to the success or meant the end of a particular craft. For example ivory and tortoiseshell handicrafts, once sold at large, are no longer available in Sri Lanka due to legal restrictions.

This month, SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND looks at several of Sri Lanka's most popular handicrafts. This brief overview will assist the reader in navigating the more in-depth stories in this issue dedicated to promoting traditional crafts of Sri Lanka.

WOOD CARVING AND DEVIL WOODEN MASKS Wood carving is one of the oldest crafts that are still practiced. The fact that Sri Lankan artisans were expert wood carvers capable of designing and sculpting the most intricate designs can be seen at the Lankatilaka Temple and Embekke Devale in Kandy. In addition, sketches of colonialists who visited the Kotte, Seethawaka and Kandyan kingdoms depict exquisite wooden ornaments, furniture and other wooden decorations. Although Sri Lankans are still the main consumers of wood carvings and furniture, a whole industry catering to foreign tourists has emerged in tourist zones and sites. Statues of elephants, Buddhas and Hindu deities are the top sellers, we were told by wood carvers, who added that they are making their products increasingly smaller so that a visitor does not hesitate to purchase in fear of baggage weight or space concerns.

Devil wooden masks (Vesmuhunu) are also extremely popular among both MARCH 2014 • SRI LANKA THE TREASURE ISLAND • 29