Reviving a traditional crafts industry

Thunpath Rata - National Crafts Council exhibition:

By Sanjeevi Jayasuriya

Thunpath Rata, a traditional mat and woven products exhibition, organized by the National Crafts Council, was held at the J.D.A. Perera Art Gallery of the University of Visual and Performing Arts, Colombo recently.

The exhibition was aimed at focusing on and improving the quality of one of the traditional and valuable crafts of Sri Lanka. The weaving industry has a history of over 3,000 years. While industrialization and the influence of globalization has posed a threat to this industry it has made a credible sustenance as a handicraft in Sri Lanka.

There is a gap between the potential markets and accessibility for these products. The Thunpath Rata exhibition will help to bridge this gap and educate society to be more social-conscious consumers, a spokesman for the organizers said.

The University of Visual and Performing Art assisted this program with a modern approach to uplift and re-introduce this traditional craft. The council helps through research and guides craftsmen to make the traditional mat using modern designs, he said.

Thumpath Rata mats and woven products exhibition 2016 displayed the inherent skills of the artisans and the blending of a traditional craft in the modern world. There were over 130 artisans and 31 designers showcasing their products at the three-day exhibition. Business Observer spoke to a few of the artisans at the venue.

Among them were R.P. Kusumawathie from Dodangaslanda, Kurunegala, who produces thal kola baskets, flowers, fruit baskets, purses and different types of bags. She is a Presidential Award winner and has been to India four times.

"I display my products at the National Crafts Council and there is a good demand for the products. I have 12 helpers to carry out my venture," she said.

Jayanthi Gamage and H.H. Indra are from Weligama and Matara. They produce Beeralu lace.

They said that the demand is somewhat low at present. Jagath Wijeratne from Matale displayed different products made from Sapu and Mahogany wood.

M.W. Fernando and Ramani Thenuwara have ventured into batiks.

Their factory, Ravimal Batiks, is in Marawila. They enjoy good demand and are happy the way their business is flourishing. Dhammika and Jagath Kumara Jayasinghe had a stall of statues of various kinds. They have a showroom and a workshop in Athurugiriya.

Reed mats

Among the diverse handicrafts of Sri Lanka, the Pan Pedura or 'reed mat', enjoys a paramount position. This utility mat is used by all communities for domestic and ceremonial purposes. The weaving of mats is not strictly confined to a particular area, while there are places where it is done in commercial quantities due to the easy availability of raw materials.

It is made out of a rush called Pan, grown in marshlands not suitable for paddy cultivation.

There are several varieties of reed (Pan) such as Galleha, Thunhiriya, Hambu and Heven which have different textures. The weaving is done mainly by village women. The skill is preserved as it passes on from mother to daughter.

In ancient Sri Lanka, every girl of marriageable age was expected to know, how to weave a mat for her household use and not for commercial purposes.

They were capable of weaving a colourful mat with intricate motifs and designs. It is heartening to note that this craft is still preserved in rural areas.

Plasticware

Today, some people prefer mats and other woven items made with natural raw materials to the cheap plasticware that has infested the country. They are even prepared to pay a higher price for a quality handicraft product, but the problem is that they are unable to buy them easily.

The village craftsmen find it difficult to sell their products and they do not get a fair price for their labour. They are exploited by middlemen. They also need guidance regarding designs and the changing taste of the modern customer.

Thus, it is clear that there is a gap between the craftsmen and the customer that has to be bridged.

If it is properly bridged it will help the craftsmen by strengthening their economy. At the same time, it will provide the affluent customer with a quality handicraft he is eager to buy.

The exhibition was held to achieve the social and market objectives, through increase in demand; to educate the craftsmen as well as the customer; and to popularize and preserve our ancient craft tradition.

The exhibition displayed mats depicting different motifs and pan varieties, traditional implements related to pan, and various woven utilities.