Angulmaduwa: Sri Lanka's Ancient Brass Craft Village

Hidden near Mulkirigala, the unassuming village of Angulmaduwa has been the heart of Sri Lankan metal craftsmanship for over 2,000 years. Here, generations of artisans:

• Cast sacred brass items for temples since Anuradhapura era
• Forge steel tools using ancient tempering methods
• Keep alive a vanishing traditional industry

Witness Living History

The Craftsmanship Process

1. Clay Molding: Intricate designs pressed into special soil
2. Wax Casting: Lost-wax technique unchanged for millennia
3. Furnace Firing: Coconut-shell charcoal reaches 1,200°C
4. Hand Finishing: Hours of polishing with tamarind paste

Signature Products

• Temple Oil Lamps (From miniature to 2m tall)
• Kandyan Dance Bells With perfect tonal quality
• Ayurvedic Mortars Used for medicine preparation
• Kolam Masks With brass embellishments

Visitor Experience

• Location: 5km from Mulkirigala (20min from Tangalle)
• Workshop Hours: 8AM-4PM (Most active mornings)
• Special Demonstrations: Monthly full-moon fire castings

Shopping Tips:

• Fair Prices: $5-$50 depending on size/complexity
• Authenticity Mark: Look for "Angulmaduwa" Sinhala engraving
• Best Souvenirs: Small oil lamps ($8-$15)

Why This Village Matters

• Last remaining traditional brass cluster in Sri Lanka
• Supplies artifacts to major temples nationwide
• UNESCO-recognized intangible cultural heritage

Hands-On Opportunities

• Try wax molding under artisan guidance
• Strike your own brass pendant (30min workshop)
• Learn secret scripts used in temple inscriptions

Nearby Cultural Stops

• Mulkirigala Temple (For brass ritual items in use)
• Kataluwa Mask Workshop (Combined brass/wood pieces)
• Rekawa Turtle Sanctuary (Evening nature balance)

Book an Artisan Encounter

Want to go beyond observation? Sri Lanka Tour Help offers:

• Half-day masterclasses with top craftsmen
• Custom commission services
• Craft village itineraries

Contact us to forge your own memories!