Sri Lankan Dumbara Rata Kalala, also known as Dumbara mats, are traditional hand-made mats used as wall hangings decorations, tapestries, or cushions covers. Originally made by Kinnara communities, the mats are now produced in two villages, Kalasirigama and Alokagama.
They traditionally served as ornamental mats to the royal palace as part of its obligation to the crown and the ruling elites between the 15th and 19th centuries. Dumbaras artisans are the descendants of those who used to provide ornamented mats and other fiber-made items to the royal palace of ancient Sinhalese kings. Their work is a family-based livelihood.
Artisans use the fiber of the leaves of the Agave plant (Agave vera). The leaves are separated using a sharp-edged wood piece to scrape away the fleshy parts. The leaves are then washed and dried, combed, and dyed using traditional herbal dyes from the Dumbara valley, then made into mats by weaving them on a simple loom situated on the floor or the ground.
The knowledge and skills involved in the production of these mats, which are ornamented with designs and motifs derived from Buddhist and Hindu mythologies and that demonstrate exceptional workmanship, are a significant part of the intangible cultural heritage of Sri Lanka. If there are any motifs or designs, the weaver inserts the fiber through the hole and pulls the lath through the yarns on the loom to create the desired design.
The element's inscription will improve its visibility, empower the family who practices it and ensure its viability. Potential dangers like commercialization and overexploitation have been made aware, and precautions have already been taken to protect the element with safeguarding plans.
This inscription on the Dumbara mat weaving technique brings a lot of attention to Sri Lanka and its living cultural heritage. It also helps draw the public's attention to this extraordinary craft, which faces the threat of disappearing in the next few decades due to a number of socio-economic reasons. It is also anticipated that the increase in visibility by UNESCO will contribute to improving the livelihoods of the craftspeople and, therefore, their quality of life.
To this day, in Kalasirigama and Alokagama, Kinarra craftsmen still weave Dumbara Rata Kalala mats for locals and tourists. They are used as wall hangings decorations, tapestries, or cushions covers. Dumbara mats have much cultural significance for Sri Lankans. The practice is passed down from parents to children.
Sri Lankan Dumbara Rata Kalala, also known as Dumbara mats, are traditional hand-made mats used as wall hangings decorations, tapestries, or cushions covers.
Dumbara Rata Kalala mats were originally made by Kinnara communities. The mats are made in two villages, Kalasirigama and Alokagama. They traditionally served as ornamental mats to the royal palace as part of its obligation to the crown and the ruling elites between the 15th and 19th centuries.
The Dumbaras artisans are the descendants of those who used to provide ornamented mats and other fiber-made items to the royal palace of ancient Sinhalese kings. Their work is a family-based livelihood activity.
They use the fiber of the leaves of the Agave plant (Agave vera). The leaves are separated using a sharp-edged wood piece to scrape away the fleshy parts. The leaves are then washed and dried, combed, and dyed using traditional herbal dyes from the Dumbara valley. Then made into mats by weaving them on a simple loom situated on the floor or the ground. If there are any motifs or designs, the weaver inserts the fiber through the hole and pulls the lath through the yarns on the loom to create the desired design.
The knowledge and skills involved in the production of these mats, which are ornamented with designs and motifs derived from Buddhist and Hindu mythologies and that demonstrate exceptional workmanship, are a significant part of the intangible cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.
The element's inscription will improve its visibility, empower the family who practices it and ensure its viability. Potential dangers like commercialization and overexploitation have been made aware, and precautions have already been taken to protect the element in the safeguarding plans.
Dumbara mats have much cultural significance for Sri Lankans. The practice is passed down from parents to children.
This inscription on the Dumbara mat weaving technique brings a lot of attention to Sri Lanka and its living cultural heritage. It also helps draw the public's attention to this extraordinary craft, which faces the threat of disappearing again in three to four decades due to a number of socio-economic reasons. It is also anticipated that the increase in visibility of the craft caused by the inscription by UNESCO will contribute to improving the livelihoods of the craftspeople and, therefore, their quality of life.
To this day, in Kalasirigama and Alokagama, Kinarra craftsmen still weave Dumbara Rata Kalala mats for locals and tourists.
References
(https://ich.unesco.org/en/RL/traditional-craftsmanship-of-making-dumbara-rat-kalla-01693) (http://www.natlib.lk/home/kalala.php) (https://www.newswire.lk/2021/12/16/unesco-identifies-sri-lankas-dumbara-rata-kalala-as-world-cultural-heritage/) (https://www.news.lk/news/political-current-affairs/item/33481-inscription-of-the-traditional-craftsmanship-of-dumbara-rata-kalala-weaving-by-unesco) |Subject=Art, Craftsmanship and Practices |Country=Sri Lanka |SDG=(01) No Poverty, (04) Quality Education, (08) Decent Work and Economic Growth, (09) Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure, (11) Sustainable Cities and Communities, (12) Responsible Consumption and Production }}