One of Bentota’s most famous cultural experiences for couples is to explore the fascinating history and ancient handicrafts of Sri Lanka’s Mask Culture.
Masks have existed as an art form and for curing ailments for thousands of years. It is believed that Masks, Devil Dancing, and other rituals involving masks have been around since the 15th century A.D.
Ambalangoda is 40 minutes from Bentota, Sri Lanka’s most famous village for mask-making. An art form that is usually passed down through the family line, the Ariyapala Mask Museum and shop owners boast seven generations of mask making and mask dancing.
Sri Lankan Masks fall into three main categories. Raksha, Kolum and Sanni. Raksha and Sanni are the oldest mask forms, while Kolum masks date back to the colonial period.
Rakha masks are best known for their demon-like features, which include many-headed serpents and mythical birdlike features. They are primarily used in legend and folk storytelling at festivals and low-country dancing.
Sanni masks also have enlarged and grotesque features and are meant to caricature illnesses. There are 18 Sanni mask types, each meant to cure a particular disease, such as vomiting, stomach ailments, or nightmares. They are even used for the exorcism of spirits.
Kolum Masks, born during the colonial era, are comedian masks used by locals and society to poke fun at their colonial masters through storytelling at local shows and performances.
The Museum and showroom are also famous for having “Rukada” or Puppets. Sri Lanka has a long history of basic folk puppetry going back centuries. Modern puppetry, which has five basic forms in Sri Lanka, is finger, string, shadow, hand, and club puppets.
The highlight for us… Make your creation and take it back as a unique souvenir!
Ariyapala Mask Museum and Showroom
Address: 432 Galle Road, Ambalangoda
Tel: +94912254899
Web: https://ariyapalamasksmuseum.com/index.html
E-mail: info@ariyapalamasksmuseum.com
Open: Monday – Saturday 8:00 am – 6:00 pm
Tickets: Not Required