Dumbara Weaver Lineages: Ethno-Technological Study of Reed and Handloom Crafts in Central Sri Lanka

Abstract

The Dumbara Rata Kalala (decorative reed mat) weaving tradition of the Dumbara valley represents one of Sri Lanka's most celebrated intangible cultural assets. This paper traces the hereditary caste lineages, botanical curing of the Sansevieria zeylanica (Niyanda) and Boehmeria nivea plants, and the sacred mathematical symmetry of the woven chevron, flower, and bird motifs that distinguish classical Sri Lankan handlooms.