Mask Cavers
Myths and legends are woven into the history and mystery of Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage, and nothing illustrates them better than the masks of Ambalangoda.
Carved from solid blocks of light balsa-like Kaduru wood by generations of craftsmen, these vibrant and colorful masks are an essential component of Sri Lanka’s traditional dance dramas.
This coastal town is a must-visit tour destination for anyone wishing to see for themselves how tradition is kept alive by skills passed down from father to son—and the occasional daughter!
The masks are used in three distinct rituals: kolam, which mocks the island’s former colonial life; sanni, an exorcism ceremony to heal persistent illness; and raksha, popular celebratory festivals and processions.