Ambalangoda mask carving

Carve and paint a lightwood mask in a character from the folk plays (king, soldier, animal) following a template.

Heritage note

Part of the living heritage of Sri Lanka. Some forms of this practice carry deep meaning for the communities who keep it; here we describe the play and the craft only, with respect for its roots.

Origins

A living tradition passed from person to person; it is not tied to a single dated origin. It belongs to the cultural world of South Asia.