Ceremonial masks: Masks are another popular craft that have their origins in the distant past. Made of special light wood called kaduru and vividly colored, the masks are made in the form of legendary beasts, like the makara (mythical dragon), or demons (there are 18 demon faces such as the Gara yaka, Mahasona, Kalu yaka). The demon masks are used to chase away evil spirits from houses or from people believed to be "possessed" by evil spirits at special thovil ceremonies. Also adorning houses are animal masks such as the hansa (swan) and sinha (lion).
Masks are available at any curio shop. If interested in seeing how they are made, visit the homes of families who specialize in this art at Ambalangoda. While there, a visit to the mask museum with its ancient masks will be a fruitful experience.
Coir: A rope fiber made from coconut husks which is plaited woven and dyed and made in to rugs, brooms, mats and matting.
Other traditional crafts made by hand which have found a wide market around the world are baskets, mats, bags and wall hangings made of rush and reed, lampshades, table mats and chairs made of bamboo and rugs and mats made from coconut fiber.
Wood Carving: A very old art in Sri Lanka. Wall plaques, ornaments, ebony elephants, trays, occasional tables and stands, knives and spoons.
Tea: This is what Sri Lanka is famous for-the best tea in the world and visitors can buy it plain packed or in special presentation packs. The Sri Lanka Tea Board has sales counters at 574, Galle Road, Colombo 3. and at Colombo Airport.
Also available in most shops and stores throughout the Island.
This page: http://www.cockatoo.com/english/srilanka/srilanka_shopping_popular.htm
