One of Sri Lanka coastal towns along its Southern Belt is the beautiful town of Balapitiya. This quaint town is not what many would call a “mainstream Sri Lankan destination”, and is therefore gradually gaining a reputation for being one of the locations to visit to get a taste of Sri Lanka in its purest. With beautiful beaches, stunning natural beauty, and a vibrant culture, Balapitiya is a destination worth visiting. One of the most recommendable luxury Balapitiya hotels for accommodation is the The Riverhouse Balapitiya.
As with any culture, Sri Lanka too has its own arts and crafts. One aspect of these arts and crafts, which is also deeply intertwined with Sri Lankan folklore, is mask making. Sri Lanka has a rich heritage of mask making and performances using masks, which has now become one of the most fascinating arts in Sri Lankan culture. Known for their provocative expressions, bright colors, and unusually intriguing characteristics, the traditional masks of Sri Lanka are sure to strike a chord with any lover of culture, folklore, or the visual arts.
Although Sri Lanka’s mask making tradition was at its peak in the 18th Century, masks have been present in local culture and arts since the ancient days of the Sinhala Kingdoms. Today, however, mask making is a tradition practiced almost exclusively in the South of Sri Lanka. Throughout the ages masks have been used for multiple purposes, which can broadly be classified into three categories. These are; Kolam; masks used in comedy or satirical plays about colonialism and other social issues, Sanni; masks used for rituals such as devil dancing, and Raksha; masks used in processions and as a symbol of protection. There are many places to visit to check out the masks of Sri Lanka such as the Ambalangoda Mask Museum, the National Museum of Sri Lanka, and the Tukkawadu Mask & Dance Home. Witnessing these spectacular masks will give you a sense of the craftsmanship of Sri Lankan mask makers, as well as insight into Sri Lankan art and culture.
Damon Starky is a creative nomadic travel writer, who is well informed and experienced on a wide range of interests that would connect to the needs of any type of traveler. Google+
