Basketry Mats are an important part of the village life in Sri Lanka as beds are hard to come by in homes as was in ancient times, where it was considered a necessary accomplishment to be able to weave mats. It is a cottage industry that comes out in all its glory especially at times of festivals and pageants. Dumbara mats are the most famous, woven in a village near Kandy, traditionally woven on a primitive loom using fibres from the bow-string hemp, decorated with stripes or patterned bands using techniques and patterns unchanged for centuries. Another functional craft, baskets made of split bamboo or cane used for hauling produce, rice, chickens and a variety of other good is a very delicate craft. Kalutara in the south, is the best known for its mastery in basket weaving, and even has a 'Basket Hall' where the town weavers may be watched at work. In Jaffna, the palmyrah leaf is the most popular for basket weaving. BACK