Traditional Jewelry of Sri Lanka by Hiranthi Pathirana

Traditional Jewellery of Sri Lanka by Hiranthi Pathirana is a valuable addition to the existing literature on the heritage of gems and jewellery in Sri Lanka. It gathers the results of her research work, professional expertise as a teacher and designer, field visits and consultation experience. The book is full of beautiful images from built sites, museum pieces and jewellery in current use.
This book derives from the rich inheritance of gems and pearls which has contributed to Sri Lanka's renown from ancient times. Over a period of 2500 years of history, body ornamentation seems to have fulfilled a higher purpose in Sri Lankan tradition and culture with beliefs and rituals associated with devotion, pride, self consciousness, dignity and confidence. The book distinguishes the regional differences from Kandyan to Southern traditions. Creating jewellery unfolds the freedom of imagination and knowledge in art and design raising the imagination of the people. Modern commercial production of jewellery has negatively affected artisanal work and crafts have shown a marked decline enhancing the need for innovation, creativity and high quality designs with unique identity.
This study is divided into several key areas which includes the introduction to jewellery with early traditions and philosophy, design and material elements including geology, nature, beads as well as the influence of other cultures from East to West and the technology of metallurgical creations.
This publication join the Prestigious Volumes series of the National Trust Sri Lanka. The National Trust Sri Lanka was established in mid 2006 to encourage public awareness of the tangible and intangible heritage of the island, both cultural and natural, of aesthetic or of historical value.