Handmade Wooden Mask souvenir 15*15 cm, Sri Lanka

The secrets of making masks in Sri Lanka have been carefully preserved and passed on by the masters to their students for many years. The material from which the masks are made is the Kaduru tree, which grows in wetlands on the outskirts of rice fields, the wood of which is extremely soft and light. Thanks to this, the masks have a small weight and are comfortable to wear. The tree is dried first. After that, the trunk is cut into parts, from which the base for the mask is cut out. Further, to protect the product, the base for the mask is left to smoke for seven days. After the preparatory stage, when the wood is completely ready for further processing, the facial features are formed. Then the mask is sanded, polished and applied to the surface of various paints. First, apply the yellow color, which is the main one. Other colors are chosen in accordance with the characteristics of certain types of masks. The secret to the durability and brightness of Sri Lanka masks is a special Doran oil, which is added to the paint. The masks of the Sri Lankans are not just traditional wood products, they hide the soul and secret meaning. They are created to convey certain human emotions and character. Only true masters know the real secrets of how to turn a small piece of wood into a work of art.