The largest fan displayed in this section comes from Sri Lanka where it is commonly known as a sesath. Originally conceived as a sun shade, the sesath is also used in temples, processions and dance performances. The circular body of the fan is formed of concentric rings of petal motifs woven from talipot palm with the addition of other natural fibres such as cacao plant. Sheets of mica silicate (a transparent mineral) are applied to strengthen and add lustre to the surface of the fan. Sesath were once a symbol of status and authority, the number of rings indicating the importance of the owner. Today the making of traditional sesath survives only in one village in the Matale district of Sri Lanka.
• To learn more from the Curator about the Chinese ceremonial fan, press A.• To learn more about the Sri-Lanken sesath, press B.