The Keralites' love for gold is reflected even in the manner they
adorn their favourite beast. The elephant, which is an integral part
of any celebration here, is turned out in full regal splendour for
any pageant or procession. The nettippattom (the glittering ornament
that adorns the forehead of the elephant) is crafted in gold by a
skilled clan of artisans. Nowhere in India is an elephant decorated
so extravagantly, or so befittingly.
The making of the nettippattom: Three and a half kilograms of copper
and three sovereigns (24 gms) of gold go into the making of a simple
nettippattom. It takes not less than 20 days to craft this ornament
which is priced between Rs 15,000 to Rs 25,000. The size of the nettippattom
varies with that of the elephant. An elephant of 9 to10 ft height
would require an ornament of 60" - 66'' in length with at least
11 chandrakkala (crescents) on it.
The nettippattom is today made in Thiruvankulam village of Ernakulam
district and the adjoining areas of Thrissur.
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