Kerala is famous for its handicrafts created by master craftsmen
who have perfected their indigenous skills through the generations.
Mainly items are mainly made of materials like Ivory, Gold, Bell
Metal Wood and Metal
Easy availability of various high quality wood like the rose wood,
sandal wood and teak wook and also Ivory and bamboo prompted the craftsmen
to stretch their skills to the limits inventing new styles unique
to this part of the world The gifted artisans makes beautiful idols
of Lord Krishna, Ganesh, Goddess Saraswathi, Lakshmi etc. in sandal
wood ,elephants in rose wood and other art works in varieties of other
woods.
The life size models of kathakali and the models depicting boat race
of Kerala are Kerala's own master pieces. The idols of Lord Nataraja
in dancing pose and the various lamps (vilakku) which are very essential
for every ceremonies of malayalees.
One of the masterpieces of bell metal casting is the world famous
product Aranmula Kannadi or Aranmula Metal Mirror, made of an alloy
of copper and tin
In woodcraft, apart from the temple art tradition, kathakali models
and accessories, weaving of mats, baskets, coir matting figure among
it's handicrafts. Since the ban on ivory trade, Kerala's ivory carvings,
especially that of the snake boat are now made of buffalo horn.
Kerala is also known for it's jewellery. Designs range from the
elaborate and exquisite to the simple and functional.The Nagapadam
or serpent-hood pendant was originally used by Nair women. Namboodiri
women wore the cherutali necklace and Tamil Brahmin women, the oddiyanam
waist-chain. Christian women wore the Mekka Mothiram. Though relegated
to history, contemporary goldsmiths still draw inspiration from them
for their designs.
The artisans of Kerala are at their best in making screwpine woven
articles, beautiful lamp shades and other articles from bamboo reeds.A
variety of products ranging from buttons to flower vase out of coconut
shell. Kora mats are very popular and is used for prayer and sleep.Articles
made out of buffalo horn and kathakali masks, straw pictures etcare
some of the popular items of Kerala. Handicrafts based on various
kinds of wood, coconut, palm etc. are major attractions.
The State agencies for the development of handicrafts industry include
Handicrafts Co-operative Apex Society (SURABHI), Artisans Development
Corporation, Bamboo Corporation and Handicrafts Development Corporation.
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