What handicrafts are worth buying in Sri Lanka?
Hello there! When it comes to what to buy and bring home from Sri Lanka, you'll be spoiled for choice! This island nation, known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," offers handicrafts that are both beautiful and unique, brimming with rich tropical charm. Let me break it down for you, so you're sure to have a delightful shopping experience.
1. Devil Masks
These are absolutely Sri Lanka's most iconic handicrafts! As soon as you arrive, you'll undoubtedly see various colorful, exaggerated wooden masks. Don't be scared by the word "devil"—in local culture, they are mostly used to ward off evil spirits, bring good fortune, and ensure safety, much like our door gods. Buying one to hang on your wall at home makes for a unique decoration and carries a beautiful meaning. Small masks can be used as fridge magnets or keychains, while larger ones are truly striking.
Tip: Ambalangoda, a coastal town, is famous as the "City of Masks." There's a mask museum there, and you can buy the most authentic ones.
2. Wood Carvings
Sri Lankans are incredibly skilled with their hands, and wood carving is an art form they excel at. The most common and popular carvings are elephant wood carvings. Elephants are considered sacred and auspicious symbols in the local culture. You'll find them in all sizes, from palm-sized miniatures to half-human-sized statues. Good wood carvings use solid materials (like ebony or teak), feel substantial in your hand, and feature exquisite craftsmanship, with even the wrinkles on the elephant's skin clearly visible. Besides elephants, you'll also find statues of Buddha, stilt fishermen, and other distinctive figures.
Tip: When buying, you can ask about the type of wood and feel its weight. The finer the carving, the higher the price, naturally.
3. Batik Fabric Art
This is a traditional hand-dyed fabric, with incredibly rich patterns and vibrant colors that seem to capture all of Sri Lanka's sunshine. You'll see various motifs like elephants, peacocks, and flowers. You can buy a large piece of batik fabric to use as a tapestry or tablecloth at home, or purchase ready-made batik clothing such as sarongs, dresses, or shirts. Wearing a batik shirt by the beach will definitely make you stand out in the crowd!
Tip: Handmade batik may have some "imperfections," like slight color bleeding, which is precisely part of its charm. Machine-printed versions are very uniform but lack a bit of soul.
4. Ceylon Tea
While not strictly a "handicraft," this is definitely a must-buy souvenir for everyone! Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) is world-renowned for its black tea. The flavor varies depending on the altitude of its origin.
- Nuwara Eliya tea has a light liquor and a strong floral aroma, perfect for drinking plain.
- Kandy tea has a mellow flavor.
- Uva tea boasts a unique menthol-like fragrance.
Tip: Visiting a tea factory allows you to buy fresh tea directly and learn about the production process, offering a fulfilling experience. For convenience, brands like Dilmah and Mlesna found in large supermarkets are also excellent choices, beautifully packaged for gifting or personal use.
5. Various Spices
Sri Lanka is also a kingdom of spices, especially its cinnamon, known as "Ceylon Cinnamon," which is considered the best quality cinnamon in the world, with a sweeter, more delicate flavor than what we commonly use. Additionally, cloves, cardamom, pepper, and turmeric powder are all excellent and affordable. A stroll through the markets in Kandy or Galle will fill the air with the fragrance of spices. Buy a packet to use in stews or milk tea back home, and you'll instantly recapture the taste of your trip.
6. Gems & Jewellery
Sri Lanka is a world-famous source of gemstones, abundant in sapphires, rubies, cat's eye, moonstone, and more. If you're interested in gemstones and have the budget, this is definitely your paradise. Especially the blue sapphire, known as the "national gem," is of very high quality.
Important Reminder: This market can be tricky! When buying gemstones, always go to reputable stores with government certification (e.g., displaying the NGJA logo) and insist on an authoritative appraisal certificate. Never buy from roadside stalls or allow strangers to take you to shops. Galle Fort has many trustworthy jewelry stores worth exploring.
7. Rattan/Woven Goods
Hand-woven baskets, hats, placemats, handbags, and other items made from natural plant fibers exude a rustic, natural beauty. While they might be a bit bulky to carry, buying a small woven bag or a set of placemats can add a touch of vacation flair to your home.
In summary, shopping in Sri Lanka is a truly enjoyable experience. In ancient cities, markets, or souvenir shops, remember to bargain boldly (except in clearly priced supermarkets and large department stores), especially with small vendors; cutting the price in half is sometimes not even too much.
Take your time, look around, and you'll always find little treasures that capture your heart and represent your memories of Sri Lanka. Happy shopping!