Traditional Mask Carving Workshop

Ambalangoda, on the coast road between Bentota and Hikkaduwa, is the town most closely linked with Sri Lanka’s carved masks. Families of carvers here have long made masks for three traditions: sanni masks, representing the spirits of illness in old exorcism and healing rituals; kolam masks, worn in satirical folk drama; and raksha, or demon masks, seen in processions and festivals.

In a working studio, a carver shows how a block of light, pliable kaduru wood is roughed out with chisel and mallet, then dried over a smoky fire for around a week to protect it from insects before a pale yellow base coat and layers of colour are added. You then try simple cuts or paint a small blank under guidance, while hearing what each face, colour and coiled-cobra headdress signifies. It is a quiet, absorbing session that gives real meaning to the masks you will see across the island.

Good to know

• Pieces you paint may need time to dry; ask the studio about wrapping them for travel.
• Wear clothes you do not mind getting paint on.
• Sharp tools are handled under the carver’s guidance; children can join with close supervision.
• Combines well with a day on the south-west coast, such as Galle, Bentota or a Madu Ganga boat trip.

The workshop can be added to any private itinerary, with timing arranged around your journey along the coast.