Mask Carving & Painting

Masks have been used in Sri Lanka for centuries, in the telling of local folklore to traditional dances. Discover their place in modern-day performance and ritual and their roots in holistic healing while learning how to carve your own.

Highlights
• Learn mask symbolism and folklore
• Watch carving and painting
• Create your own design

Overview
Your host will introduce you to kaduru, a lightweight local wood traditionally used for mask making, and guide you through the art of carving while explaining the time-honoured techniques, symbolic designs, and the cultural meaning behind them. For those who prefer not to carve, there is the option to paint a pre-carved mask, learning about colours and motifs unique to Sri Lankan folklore. The experience concludes with a striking handcrafted mask to take home, along with a deeper understanding of the significance of masks in Sri Lanka’s rituals, healing traditions, and storytelling heritage.