Art of Sri Lanka, Music and Dance

The architecture, literature, music, dance and visual art of Sri Lanka all bear the definitive seal of centuries old Buddhist culture which had hold sway over the social fabric of the country. Until the coming of the British, poetry, music and dances were almost entirely ceremonial and devotional performances. Its only by the mid- 19th century that Sri Lanka opened its windows to the outside cultural influences. This was hastened by the advent of the printing press.

Literature found are over 3000 years old

Sri Lanka did not have a fertile ground for the growth of vernacular literature particularly because of the conservative Buddhist tradition coupled with the fierce political repression which followed the leftist revolts of 1971 and 1987 – 1988 and the ethnic troubles of the 1980s and 1990s, but still she has her share of home spun literary talent. The best known of its authors, perhaps, is Michael Ondatje, who wrote the much acclaimed novel, ‘The English Patient’ also a popular screen picture.

Deeped in history this area is a fascinating place for the historian too. Artefacts found here show that this area had been inhabited by a group of people during pre Vijayan times. Magama ( Ptotemy : Margama) at the mouth of Modaragama Aru and Uruela at the mouth of Kala Oya associated with pearl and chunk fisheries (Molluses) must have been important ports associated with trade with foreigners at the time.

Music and dance: Kandyan dancing, one of the best in the world

Music and dance in Sri Lanka are still closely intertwined with religious rituals Kandyan or ‘up country’ dance which is accompanied by the complex rhythms of several drummers has evolved from village dances performed to appease to local deities. The percussion instrument used is a wooden drum with leather heads of Monkey skin at one end and cowhide at the other. Two different types of skins make

representing the 18 demons of disease.

Devil Mask Dance

‘Low country’ or ‘devil mask’ dancing is generally performed with the motive of exorcism. These are also accompanied by drummers, who use a special ‘demon drum’ to enhance the steps and movements of dancers wearing the grotesque masks representing the 18 demons of disease.

Architecture and Art of Sri Lanka – Buddhist influence

Not only Art of Sri Lanka , but Sri Lanka’s architectural heritage too is very much influenced and shaped by Buddhist traditions. Prominent among the architectural edifices are the dagobas which are sighted everywhere in the country. Built in the shape of a dome, the dagobas often enshrine relics of the Buddha, such as a hair or a tooth, and is casually massively constructed of brick covered with a coat of plaster and painted white. Ancient temple sites are featured by statues of Buddha which are often carved from the living rock of basalt crags and cliffs. Frescoes like those located at Sigiriya may display beautiful women temple dancers or deities.

European Influence

The pantiled roofs and verandahs which grace many a quaint old building are living examples of the Portugese and Dutch architectural legacy. Many Dutch buildings are still found in Galle, Kandy and Nuwara Eliya houses, many surviving buildings from the British Colonial Era. room for contrasting tones. Dancers, usually women go through a routine of sinuous poses and flowing arm movements.