How to Explore the Muppets and Masks of Ambalangoda - Guide to exploring Ambalangoda's Puppets and Mask-Making Heritage

 As a fascinating area to explore for culture buffs heading Down South, Amabalangoda remains one of Sri Lanka's last remaining mask and puppet manufacturing hamlets. Preserving this dying art form that is fast disappearing from the island, the area provides visitors with an in-depth look at the illustrious history of making masks that were used in exorcisms and puppets that were employed to entertain the village folks of centuries past. Here's how to uncover Amabalangoda's unique heritage.

 

Dan arndt, Traditional masks - Ambalangoda 01, CC BY-SA 4.0

 1. Do Your Homework

Tourists heading to architecturally rich resorts inspired by Bewis Bawa such as the Heritance Ahungalla or any other hotels in Ahungalla should first read up about Ambalangoda's artisan past. Although the area is easily accessible to Ahungalla and surrounding beach hotspots, a day trip to the town should not be undertaken without fully understanding the type of mask and puppet making heritage it is famed for. There are countless online resources as well as guidebooks delving into the rich cultural heritage of Ambalangoda and what visitors can expect from a tour of the area. Understanding the mechanics of the industry and its decline will give one a better understanding and a greater appreciation for the works of art one will come across on a tour.

2. Finding Local Artisan Families

Similar to most art forms and traditional schools of craft, Ambalangoda's mask and puppet making legacy are also tied to several prominent artisan families living in the area. Passing down these skills from generation to generation, the masks created by different families will have their own unique signature appearance. As most of the masks were used for ceremonial purposes, they were once in high demand as locals in the area and around the island relied on various rituals to rid their loved ones of various afflictions; therefore, the artisans themselves were considered with great reverence in the community for their role in preparing the headgear worn by dancers and exorcists alike.

3. Sign Up for a Tour

Those who wish to have a deeper understanding of Ambalangoda's mask manufacturers should sign up for a tour organised by local tour operators that will take visitors to venues such as the Ambalangoda Mask Workshop and Museum. The Ariyapala and Sons mask hub will also feature in most tours as it is one of the last remaining family businesses with a rich history in carving masks over the centuries.

4. Types of Masks and Wood Sources

There are three types of masks that are made in Ambalangoda and visitors will get a chance to gaze upon the menacing-looking masks that belong to the Sanni class, which were used exclusively for exorcisms. There are 18 masks that represent different ailments in the Sanni order that are believed to address issues from simple stomach diseases to insanity. The Kolam masks, in contrast, are believed to have come into play during the colonial era and are humorous in appearance. Made using Kaduru wood, which is compared to Balsa and is lighter compared to other wood, artisans follow strict sculpture-like instructions when carving the masks after the wood has been smoked and dried for seven days.

5. Don't Forget the Library

Apart from visiting the two-storey museum and marvelling at the more than 120 masks on display, no visit to the Ambalangoda Mask Workshop and Museum would be complete without a stopover at the venue's library. Documenting the finer points of Ambalangoda's legacy in mask making and performances, the venue is an anthropological treasure for those with a passion for puppetry and mask traditions.

6. Purchase a Souvenir

While those with the means can purchase an example of Ambalangoda's iconic masks as a keepsake, travellers on a budget will find that the museum as well as most handicraft shops sell key tags and other affordable souvenirs that feature the frightening visages of the Sanni and Kolam masks.