Mask Making in a Buddhist Temple

4 July 2022

The well-known mask making experience can now be experienced in a lesser known Buddhist temple hidden in the Galle fort. The experience will begin with a blessing and a chanting session ( Pirith Nula) from the head monk of the temple. You will learn how traditional mask making of Sri Lanka is connected with the Buddhist culture and it’s rituals. You can choose between mask carving, painting or both options to create their own mask with the guidance of master craftsman from Ambalangoda.

Masks are used for performance and ritual in modern day Sri Lanka but their past is rooted in ancient beliefs that they have healing and protective powers. Take part in a tradition embedded in Sri Lankan beliefs and rituals. Mold your creation using traditional and sustainable resources such as recycled paper, kithul (treacle), kurundu (cinnamon), clay, broken tiles, bees wax and even cow dung. Listen to an array of interesting stories about natural paint collecting methods used by ancient craftsmen of Sri Lanka. You can take their mask back home as a souvenir along with a memory to cherish for a life time.