Sri Lanka Handicrafts

The Royal families of Sri Lanka had been the patronizing bodies of the handicrafts artists for years. The art has been handed over from generation to generation and it follows the use of ancient techniques. The raw materials are collected from nature and subsequently the products are conducive to the natural environment.

Batiks
These are one of the best takeaways from Sri Lanka. They are Indonesian by origin, but Sri Lankan by design. These colourful and designer fabric is made of using the wash resist way. Different types of boiling and waxing work take place depending upon the pattern and size.

Pottery
With 75% of the total population in Sri Lanka using clay utensils, pottery emerges as a significant handicraft. Terracotta figures and carved vases are also made from it.

Brass Work
The use of brass is pretty extensive in this country with lot of artistic inputs. The most easily found articles made of brass are- boxes, stands, vases, baskets, lampshades, tablemats, chairs, lamps and trays.

Demon masks
A very popular national symbol, the Demon masks are used in various rituals.

Coir Goods
Goods made of coconut fibre are very much Sri Lankan in nature. Mats and rags are its main products. Kandy is known for the Dumbara mats.

Lacquer ware
Articles like bookends, ash- trays, letter-openers, wooden handles and walking sticks are made of lacquer ware.

Lace
It is in abundance in Galle and Matara district. Though introduced by the Portuguese, it has now embodied as a native craft.