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| Kasavu Mundu
and Neryathu |
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| are extremely light pure cotton handlooms edged
with golden thread. The golden edging is sometimes touched with
contrasting bright colours. They are worn as traditional saris
or used as dress material. A Malayalee (Keralite) woman wearing
the mundu and neryathu, with her long black oiled hair tied
loosely and strung with a garland of Jasmine, is the very picture
of elegance. The men wear the mundu around the loin and the
neryathu around the shoulders. |
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Kerala stands next to Rajasthan in having the
largest collection of murals based on puranic (ancient Indian
mythology) themes. The murals of Kerala bear the stamp of uniqueness
in aesthetic composition and techniques. Most of these were
painted between 15th and 19th centuries, many even date back
to the 8th century AD.The temples and palaces of Kerala are
invariable sagas of Hindu gods and goddesses and visual poems
of their heroic deeds. |
| Nettipattom |
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| The Keralites' love for gold is reflected even
in the manner they adorn their favorite beast. The elephant,
which is an integral part of any celebration here, is turned
out in full regal splendor for any pageant or procession. The
nettippattom (the glittering ornament that adorns the forehead
of the elephant) is crafted in with Three and a half kilograms
of copper and three sovereigns (24 gms) of gold by a skilled
clan of artisans. Nowhere in India is an elephant decorated
so extravagantly. |
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The most famous bronze craft in India is the
ancient statue of Nataraja (Lord Siva in dancing posture). But
in Kerala bronze (bell metal or gun metal) popularly known as
Odu is used for making small and big vessels, lamps etc. Huge
wick lamps in different sizes and shapes like the Nilavilakku,
Thookkuvilakku - hanging lamp, etc are widely used in each and
every house. A variety of bronze (Vellodu) is often used for
making this and it has more alloy content of lead. |
| Netturpetti |
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| The ethnic jewel box of the Kerala woman was
once a mark of the influential families of the land. The casket
(petti) originally designed in the Nettur region of Malabar
is testimony of the patience and skill of the artisans who make
it. The box usually made of rosewood is fully handcrafted. Every
joint, every screw and lock is shaped and chiseled by the hand.
The wooden box is first varnished and then fixed with brass
frames. |
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Centuries ago the native craftsmen invented a
mirror made of metal. The bronze (odu) workers of Aranmula (Pathanamthitta
district) specialize in making the world famous cast metal mirrors
with handles known as the Aranmula Kannadi, made from four metal
alloys, viz. Copper, Silver, Bronze & Lead. This ornamental
mirror is exceedingly rare. Only two master craftmen and their
families still make them. |
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