Handicrafts of Kerala

HANDICRAFTS OF KERALA:

Kerala has the tradition of making beautiful handicrafts with ivory, bamboo, palm leaves, seashells, wood, coconut shells, clay, cloth, metals, stone etc. Handicrafts in Kerala are mostly hereditary occupation. 

Many handicraft classics can be seen in Palaces, old heritage homes, museums, etc. The artists are experts in making beautiful flower vases, ash trays, ornamental plates, jewel boxes, miniature boats, elephants, idols, Kathkali masks, embroidery works, etc.

The art handicrafts have evolved into a small-scale industry in Kerala. The making, domestic selling and exporting are increasing and now there are many institutes giving training in handicrafts.

The Handi crafts of Kerala, noted for their uniqueness in style, perfection of form and elegance of design form an invaluable part of the life stream of Kerala culture. The craftsmen of Kerala have made the most skilful use of the raw materials without sacrificing the requirements of aesthetics and thus made their rich contribution to the life of the community. By Bell Metal casting the craftsmen of Kerala produced a variety of images of gods and goddesses.

Aranmula Metal Mirror deserves special mention in the bell metal industry of Kerala. The mirror is made of an alloy consisting of ten parts of copper and 5.50 parts of tin. It is oval in shape and a standard mirror is about 6 inches in length and .50 inch thick and has a handle by which it is to be held. The artisans of Aranmula who have practised this art all these years kept it almost as the family secret. 

 
Koftgari works, Wood Carving, Marquetry in wood, Ivory and Buffalo horn Carving, Screw Pine mat Making, Bamboo Reed Weaving, Palmyra Leaf Weaving, Kora Grass Mat Making, Rattan or Cane work, Embroidery and Lace Making, Lapidary work, Granite carving, Coconut shell carving, Lacquer work, Cotton map making, Toys and Dolls, Jewellery, coir Products, Musical instruments manufacturing are also some of the important handicraft making activities of Kerala.