An Investigation of key factors to uplift traditional Lac (Laksha) Craft in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Lac craft is a traditional craft in Sri Lanka and it has a traditional immense and endurance history. Lac is one of the decorative medium that can be applied on different types of materials, such as wood, ivory, pottery, clothes, horns, shells etc. Lac craft is an identical precious craft in Sri Lanka. But in current society it is not uplifted to cater present social needs. This can be considered as a dying industry and as a traditional craft that was continued from generation to generation, even though it is not continued as before. As the knowledge is not transferring to future generations; it will become a dilapidated craft in the craft milieu after three or four generations. It is needed to accompany for future generations to identify their tradition ethics, tools, equipment, decorations, manufacturing methods and market opportunities. This research oblige to identify the key factors that can affect endangered and upgrade to cater the present social needs which is a current need of the craft industry in Sri Lanka. It is a cast based industry and it was continued in several rural areas in Sri Lanka with a traditional identity, by the way still it continues in few areas in country. Especially craftsmen of Kandy and Matale districts still continue their practices in traditional manner. This research generally considers the craft places in central province to gather factual data. The methodology of the research was based on the Grounded theory method. The research followed the quantitative and qualitative research methods. The required data were collected through an extensive literature survey, case study use of variety of Lac crafts and structured questionnaires given to the people who are engaging in Lac work in Pallehapuvida to identify main factors that are affecting to uplift the Lac craft. The research identifies main six key factors in order of the importance as introducing new technology, new designs, new materials introducing new colour by experiments, conducting trainee programmes, and teaching as a traditional technical subject. These are the main key factors that should be considered to uplift the dying tradition of Sri Lankan lac craft to get keen and endorsed future.