Alphonso

Mask Making

Masks have long been an important part of Sri Lankan culture and this hands-on craft session allows you to closely engage with the long-held tradition of mask-carving in Sri Lanka. Make a visit to a crafts shop to learn of the history of mask making. This is also the perfect opportunity to try your hand at making one under your host’s able guidance.

  • Take part in a tradition embedded in Sri Lankan beliefs and rituals.
  • Your host will tell stories of carving from the past and the techniques involved.
  • Create your own souvenir of your trip to UNESCO world heritage awarded, Galle Fort.

You will have seen these wonderful masks adorning walls as you travel around Sri Lanka, but have you ever wondered how they are made? Masks have been used in Sri Lanka for generations, originating from rituals in village settings that followed ancient beliefs, and also used for curing illness.


Mask Carving is an old traditional activity in Sri Lanka. Join your host at his artist’s gallery in Galle Fort and learn and carve your own mask. The masks are usually made from a light wood called “Kaduru”. But since our host is extremely environment conscious, he uses traditional and sustainable resources such as recycled paper, kithul (treacle), kurundu (cinnamon), clay, broken tiles, beeswax and even cow dung!

See your host work his magic as he works on creating masks. Observe his techniques and methodologies, and under his able guidance mould your own creation. There is the option of choosing between carving and painting of masks. However, tools used for carving are to be handled with care. It is recommended that children between the age of 8 to 12 be accompanied by an adult if they wish to carve masks.


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