The south coast of Sri Lanka has a strong tradition of mask making. Worn as part of costumes for healing rituals and dances celebrating victory on the battlefield, the masks are intricately carved from insect-resistant kaduru wood and painted with protruding fangs, bulging eyes and hissing snake headdresses. Try your hand at making one on this half-day workshop, which uses materials as diverse as treacle, cinnamon, clay, broken tiles, bees wax and cow dung. You’ll be guided through the process from start to finish. Kaduru is surprisingly easy to carve and the master maker will help sketch the initial lines on the wood for you to follow, assisting at every stage as you bring the block to life. By the end of the workshop you’ll have a finished piece to take home.