Explore Traditional Costumes

Begin with cultural understanding before making design decisions. This section introduces the Nilame costume and Ohoriya through history, components, jewellery, accessories and cultural beliefs.

Nilame Costume

The Nilame costume, also known as mul enduma or tuppottiya, is the official and ceremonial attire associated with the Kandyan elite tradition.

Frilled shirtFrilled trouser / rali kalisamaTuppottiyaWhite clothRed cloth / pachcha wadamaKavaniyaJacket / pesa hattayaChest piece / papu patiya

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Ohoriya

Ohoriya is a Kandyan female costume with a draped lower cloth, held end, frill and jacket, strongly linked to bridal, elite and regional dress traditions.

Held end / ohori potaDraped cloth / lower fabricFrill / neriyaPuff sleeve jacket / borichchi hattayaHeaddress / nalalpatiyaSun and moonHair flowerBrooch

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