A great demand for Lankan clay ornaments
Promoting the local handicraft industry - National
Crafts Council (NCC):
by Lakmal Welabada
  Mud and clay, the soothing earthy ingredients can play a great role
in many aspects. From household utensils to ornamental items, it has
spread its importance in many ways. Hence, 'clay' has been one of the
most popular divisions in the handicraft industry from time immemorial.
Today, it is the most famous handicraft that has spread almost all
over the island. Clay items have won the demand in the local market on a
vast scale, both as utensils as well as ornaments
Clay, as an ingredient is found mainly in the soil in the NorthWest
of Lanka. Apart from the said items, clay is used for roof tiles, bricks
and Terracotta floor tiles. Ceramics is also clay, but in a slightly
different form and percentage in its chemical molecules.
Clay pots were the only utensils used in the yesteryears. But, in the
recent past Aluminium replaced clay vastly as a solution of saving
energy, especially when used on the gas stoves. Clay pots were the right
utensil on a fire wood hearth, and needs a lot of heat when used to cook
on a gas cooker.
  Clay takes time to asorb heat, so that energy gets wasted. To meet
with this challenge a handicraftsman in Badulla has introduced a clay
utensil that absorbs heat more quicker than a normal clay pot.
"Those who are interested can place their orders for a set of clay
utensils that can be used on gas at the National Crafts Council (NCC) at
Parliament Road, Battaramulla. On their request we can get them a better
packing as well, especially if they want to present it as a gift," says
a NCC spokesman.
This would be good news to Sri Lankans as it has been revealed that
consumption of food cooked in the Aluminium utensils would lead to
cancer and many other ailments. Also it is detected that the people who
live in the North Central Province are prone to kidney ailments as the
water in this area is very much enriched with calcium.
 So, as a solution to this the Ministry of Indigenous has requested
them to use clay water filters.
Lankan clay ornaments have had a great demand both among locals and
expatriates. Pottery painting has also become a popular hobby among many
in Sri Lanka.
[email protected] |
