Handicrafts of Kerala Kerala,
Gods own country Situated in India has a rich tradition of Handicrafts. Kerala's traditional handicrafts are a class of its own. The artisans of kerala have traditional expertise in carving in wood, jewellery design, both gold and silver and also in other mediums. Making idos and figures in metaletc. The gifted artisans makes beautiful idols of Lord Krishna, Ganesh, Goddess Saraswathi, Lakshmi etc. in sandal wood ,elephants in rose wood and other art works in varieties of other woods.These items are showcased in http://www.aayurmart.com
Life size models of Kathakali, and models depiciting snake boat race of kerala are exclusive masterpieces of kerala aritisans. The idols of Lord Nataraja in dancing posture and various lamps (vilakku) which are essential for every ceremonies of keralities are also created by artisans.
Industrial arts and handicrafts form an invaluable part of Cultural heritage of Kerala. Metal crafts have pride of place among traditional arts. Bell-metal casting is an old time industrial art. It has involved mainly two kinds of activities. Images or idols of deities made out of copper, bronze and brass are used for consecration in temples and other religious purposes. Huge Varpus (shallow basins of hemispherical shape), multi-layered lamps and household utensils are all made of these metals. These products are noted for their high degree of perfection.
Lamps of most artistic beauty are also made by Kerala craftsmen. The Greek lamp (Changalavatta), Archana lamp, Arati Dipa etc., deserve mention in this context. The Aranmula metal mirror has attained fame among products of bell metal industry. A product of an accident in metal casting, it is made of an alloy of copper and tin and resembles glass mirror in every respect in point of utility. The Koftagari work, one of popular metal crafts of India, is also being practiced by a few artisans in Trivandrum. Figures of deities, landscapes, floral designs and fancy articles of a wide variety are produced in Koftagari.
Wood craft is one of ancient arts of Kerala as is testified to by temples and churches of State which abound in wood carvings. Items of furniture like chairs, tables settees, sofas, almirahs, cots, radio castings etc., and models of animals and deities, toys and Kathakali accessories produced by Kerala craftsmen are very much in demand. The models of caparisoned elephants and carvings of Kathakali dance-dolls are items of popular demand.http://www.aayurmart.com showcases some of items.
The craftsmen of Kerala have also developed a variety of handicrafts using rich wealth of flora in State. Screwpine mat weaving is one of such handicrafts. Such articles as pillow covers, cushions, vanity bags, purses, hats etc., are also made of screw pine. The art of weaving bamboo-reed mats, baskets and fancy articles is also one of simplest of Kerala handicrafts. Kora grass is similarly used for making mats of different sizes and colours. Rattan is used in manufacture of articles of daily use like chairs, settees, teapoys, cradles, trays, shopping bags and a variety of other utility-cum-fancy articles. The coconut shell is used for manufacture of such articles of utility and beauty as lamp stands, flower vases, ashtrays etc. Coir carpets and mattings produced in many attractive designs and colours find a ready market in India and abroad.
