Mask culture is a timeless and universal cultural feature that has invaded almost each and every corner in the world. It is directly connecting the imagination, believes, spirituality of human being by making a considerably influence in the cultural norms and religious rituals that are practicing centered by the particular society.
Carrying its own characteristics mask is the ultimately depiction of the social, and cultural believes that are treasured and presenting in vivid way. Masks are absolutely colorful and resembling the artistic facts that represents the emotional, spiritual status of a country, region or an ethnic group and that is so valid in the context of Sri Lanka as well.
Here we are ready to give you a glimpse about one of the most prominent cultural fascinations in the country inits Sri Lankan version and that is none other than the mask industry.
We call it an industry because today the Sri Lankan traditional mask production is seeking to gain a commercial profitability whereas in the contemporary days masks were widely used for religious purpose specially for healing ceremonies.
If you are interested to get more detail insight to learn about the culture and the related believes in depth Ceylon Empire Travels happy to let you know that we have arranged you an exciting tour where you can explore the beauty of traditional mask industry in the Paradise Island Sri Lanka. In this tour we can assure you the fact that you will learn so many interesting stories related to mask production in the island.
Come and join us to discover the most fascinating values treasured about the mask creating for centuries in this mind-blowing island.
Let’s start the tour from learning about the history of mask industry, the process of mask production, myths and legend believed in ancient days, learn about the mask categories and enjoy the tour by examine the different varieties of masks and finally you will also get a chance to buy your favorite masks to take back home to adore your house to reflect the memories you created in the tear drop island Sri Lanka.
History of Mask industry in Sri Lanka
The historical records of Sri Lanka mask industry are quite intriguing. The basement for mask production was founded by the time where the indigenous people continued worshiping the nature and related objects and sooner, they transferred to make different images and structures by using clay, woods, stone, bricks and so on by inserting basic formation of human shapes.
They firmed believed back then worshiping these holly objects that were the ultimate representations of gods, deities, demon were bringing them fortune, keep away from illness, will increase the productivity of harvest, will project them from foes and natural disasters.
The same was applicable for mask production as well that was commenced centuries ago to add them to healing and religious ceremonies and so as most these facades are representing the mythical deities and demons. When you examine the masks in details you will learn about so much of them specially about the categories they were belonging to.
Latter the masks were also used for entertaining the local gatherings and so as the creativity of the artists extended to add the human figures as a common representation to folk lore, royal families, noble characters and the villagers. Days back in Sri Lanka masks were widely used for healing ceremonies whereas most of them were used for exorcism.
By the time where the science and technology were not introduced and popular in the island, the locals strongly believed the sicknesses, troubles are caused by the fallen of evil eyes and so as the devils must be chased by spiritual rituals and healing ceremonies.
The locals were used to wear different masks and used to dance in ceremonies for the beats of different drums and the most famous among these was the “SanniYakuma” implies Devil dance in native language.
Nowadays these ceremonies are not functioning any longer for healing and spiritual purpose but to highlight as a traditional and cultural presentation you may witness these fascinating dance ceremonies at traditional cultural shows and you will surely love to enjoy the devil dances and traditional dances happening in dainty costumes wearing ferocious masks and amusing faces represent the traditional local community.
Also, traditional masks have converted as souvenirs and ornaments that adore the dwelling and buildings. Yet subconsciously the community still believes that hung these masks in front of the houses will keep away falling the evil eyes to the houses.
Traditional masks in Sri Lanka
There are basically three types of masks are there listed as Raksha masks, Sanni masks, Kolam masks etc. Raksha masks known as devil masks are using to perform Raksha dances in Kolammaduwa ceremony. It is believed that Raksha masks are related to the famous epic Ramayana represents Ravana king.
These masks are depicting the various forms of devils as per the believes. In total there are about 24 masks types that revel the devil forms. Yet in present day only few are performed in Kolam maduwa function. You may find the imaginary faces that looks scary and the mythical figures including birds, cobras and many more.
Sanni masks another type of traditional masks that believed treating illnesses. There are about 18 formations of Sanni masks. The traditional masks in Sri Lanka also inclusive of different figures representing the folk lore and traditional Sri Lankan community.
These masks are known as Kolam masks. These are performed specially for entertaining purpose of local community by the time where the digital media were absent.
Memorable visit to a mask museum in Sri Lanka
We have listed here few basic information about mask industry in Sri Lanka, and you will be surely amazed to learn more about this fascinating industry, the history, types of masks, how to make them and so on. You may also refer the little libraries that are opened for you at these beautiful museums.
Contact Ceylon Empires Travels the leading travel agent in Sri Lanka for more information to learn about how to make your trip a memorable one by adding an unforgettable cultural experience to your Sri Lanka journal.
Editorial Staff at Ceylon Empire Travels are Specialist in Sri Lanka Travel.
