|
Kerala is
one of the wonderful and most crowded tourist destinations
in India. Besides its natural beauty, beaches and
backwaters, Kerala is famous for its incredible handicrafts.
The tourists to Kerala are floored with choices for
shopping, that ranges from golden bordered white silk sari
to colourful wall hangings, from decorative lamps and coir
products to beautiful gold and silver jewellery in
traditional designs. Handicrafts of Kerala are the most
popular face of its glorious cultural heritage.
The handicrafts of Kerala also have religious
manifestations. The idols of Goddess Sarswati, Lord Ganesh,
Lord Krishna, Goddess Lakshmi and the |
 |
|
Natraj are
carved in the sandal and rose wood. The masks of the
Kathakali dancers, and the models of Kerala's popular
snake-boats are geared to inspire awe and amazement.
Brass and Bell Metal Works
Kerala is also well known for its bell metal art. Having
religious and cultural roots, the bell metal is used for
casting numerous mythological events such as the 'Tandava
Dance', popularly known as the 'Gaja Tandava' or 'Gajasamhara'
in intricate art forms. We can find these Kerala trademarks
at Payannur, Tiruvananthapuram and Kasargod. Bell metal is
the alloy of tin, copper and brass. Besides making the idols
of deities, it is used for making beautiful lamps and
household utensils.
Coir and Cane Products
Along with Tripura, Kerala is popular for rattan and coir
mattresses, floor furnishings, adorned mats and other
colourful, eco-friendly goods made of coir and cane. The
exquisite coir products have developed one of the most
important cottage industries of Kerala. Calicut and Kollam
are well-known for the coir products.
Ivory Works
The ivory carving is one of the traditional handicrafts of
Kerala. The carving of mythological characters is
predominant. Besides that, you can find a large variety of
ivory carved showpieces. The craftsmen generally use the
buffalo horns for the art of ivory carving. A group of
highly talented artists showcase their skills in the wood,
which is borrowed from the music and dance tradition.
Lacquer Ware
The combination of woodcraft and metal gives rise to some
intense lacquer ware. The sandal wood and rose wood are
carved out in various sizes and shapes. Later on, they are
given the lacquer finish and the final showpiece is
decorated with the precious metals. The Ernakulam district
is popular for this type of art.
Sandalwood Carving
The beautiful products like decorated boxes, figures of
elephants, ashtrays, Kathakali dance postures, candle stands
and rhinoceros are carved out from the fragrant sandalwood.
Just like the Rosewood industry, this sandalwood carving
industry is also predominant in Cochin, Trichur,
Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam.
Textiles
Kerala, the land of coconuts and Kathakali, has established
itself on the world's map for its distinct collection of
textiles. You must buy the wedding cards, Kancheepurams and
the flowing silks, where textiles is manifested as exquisite
art forms.
Wooden Toys
The wooden carvings not only give rise to mythological
characters, but also to magnificent wooden toys. You can't
prevent yourself from buying these fascinating wooden toys
as your mementos from Kerala. |
