Screw Pine

The craftsmen of kerala are also expert in handicrafts using the rich flora wealth of the state. Among them the most important is screw pine mat weaving. This has existed for more than 800 years. Articles like cushions, pillow covers, purses, vanity bags, hats etc are made out of screw pine. It is used for making many fancy items of different sizes and colours.

Bamboo Reed Paintings, Bamboo Mat Paintings

The art of weaving bamboo-reed mats, baskets and fancy articles is one of the simplest of Kerala handicrafts. Such woven mats with bamboo reed frames can make beautiful by paintings on it. Bamboo mat painting is one of the major craft that requires more concentration and dedication along with the artistic mind of the craftsman. Most of these paintings are Gods, Goddesses, animals, birds, scenery etc. in different size and colours.

Coir Products

Coir product is another important handicraft item. Aleppy in kerala is famous for coir product. Coir carpets and matting, baskets, and other fancy items are made in many pattern and colours.

Coconut Shell

Coconut shell is the hardest material among all the materials used for carving. One requires a high skill and craftsmanship to carve fancy items out of coconut shell. Cups, flower vases, bowls, spoons, lamp shades etc are the usual items. Most admirable item in this field is the brass decorated shell articles. Arabs are interested in brass decorated coconut shell hookahs.

Lace and Embroidary Works

Though it’s an alien craft, many of our women and men are interested in this art. It is introduced by the Syrian Christians who settled here in early ages. The main concentration for embroidery and lace work are Eravipuram, Changanassery, Kottayam, Pala, Parrasala, Trissur and Cannoor. This also needs some artistic talents.

The Jewellery of Kerala

The Jewellery of Kerala is noted for its artistic perfection. Each caste or community had its typical ornament Nagapadam mala, paalaka maala, mullamottu maala ( serpant hood so called cuz of the shape of the pendant, green colored stone in a particular pattern, jasmine bud shaped) are some of the ancient ornaments of a Nair women. Mukkuthi is the ornament for nose. A kind of heavy guilt brass ring called Mekka Motiram was worn by Christian women after boring their ears in several places. Ottezhapathakkam, Kombu, Thala (anklet) etc were also typical Christian ornaments.

Most of the ancient ornaments are now defunct but for marriage ceremonies most of the women like to wear these traditional ornaments. These traditional ornaments give a charm and beauty to the bride. Kerala women are always fond of jewellery and so kerala has many gifted goldsmith to make attractive designs.

Kerala Nettoor Box

These boxes are famous for their traditional use for preserving the Kathakali Costumes. There are made of used to keep the valuable known as Abharana Petti.

Other Works

Apart from the main crafts noted above there are many crafts which doesn’t have fame but need artistic talents, concentration and dedication. Some of them are granite carving. These workers manufacture articles like idols, pillars, statues, survey stones etc. Another industry is musical instrument manufacturing. It includes manufacture of Chenda, Madhalam, Mridhangam, Edakka etc. The costumes and accessories required in Kathakali and Theyyam are being manufactured by some craftsmen. Being a maritime State, Kerala has its own handicrafts based on marine materials. Conch-shell articles like paper weight, pin cushions, ashtrayas, studs etc., are also made by some craftsmen. There are areas where articles like bangles, vanity bags and name boards are made of glass beads.

Rather than an art the handicrafts have evolved into a small scale industry in Kerala. Legacy in the field of arts and crafts is a rich and varied one. The handicrafts of Kerala are the flag bearers of their inimitable and glorious cultural heritage.

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