Mask Carving

A visit to the workshop of a celebrated local wooden mask-carver – famed for his elaborate depictions of royalty – is truly a must. Carving wooden masks – ‘muhunu’ – for use by actors in folk dramas performed in villages has been a highly specialized skill across the south of Sri Lanka for centuries. Yet sadly the industry is at risk of dying out as younger generations seek the bright lights of the city. We strive to support these craftsmen and preserve their art by exposing their workshops to our guests and sharing their knowledge.