Material culture of tea: visual analysis of post-colonial Sri Lankan equipage

Abstract

Tea in Sri Lanka has evolved from a colonial export commodity into an integral part of local culture, becoming the second most consumed beverage after water. Sri Lankan tea, known for generations as ‘Ceylon Tea’, is renowned worldwide for its taste and aroma, and the country currently ranks as the fourth-largest tea producer in the world. Tea culture, like many colonial practices, was first introduced to the aristocracy of the country and then gradually transmitted down the social strata. As it spread, certain elements were removed, while new ones were added, creating a unique local adaptation. Tea preparation and serving equipage play a significant role in reflecting a society’s social and cultural heritage. This research analyses visual media such as archival images, historical publications, and cinematic representations from the post-independence era, with a focus on the physical and design aspects of tea equipage. Images were categorized into five contexts to understand the varying roles and settings of tea. The identified tea equipage was digitally recreated using SolidWorks to gain a deeper understanding of the material culture. This study reveals that variations in tea preparation and drinking practices within Sri Lankan society have been shaped by factors such as personal preference, generational traditions, economic status, and social context.