Handicrafts of Kerala

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Handicrafts of Kerala:-

The God’s own country Kerala is also renowned for its rich tradition in handicrafts which is part of its cultural legacy. Its unique arts and crafts are irresistible for any shopaholic. These crafts reflect the extraordinary skills of its master craftsmen. The artisans of Kerala trace their lineage to Vishwakarma – the architect of the gods. The crafts include the bell metal cast sculptures and pottery items, products in wood and coir and murals.

The abundance of coconut trees paved the way for the development of coir and related products in Kerala. Decorated mats and floor furnishings are some of the popular coir products. Kollam and Calicut are known spots for buying coir products. Coconut shell products are also of great demand in Kerala.

Woodcraft is another famous craft item of Kerala. Many of the ancient temples and traditional homes that are spread across the state stand testimony to this fact. Netturpetti, a nine-sided wooden chest to keep jewellery, is one of the most exquisite woodcrafts of Kerala. Sandalwood products of Kerala are also in great demand. Some of the popular sandalwood carvings are decorated boxes, candle stands, toys and Kathakali dance dolls.

Bell metal craft is an art in Kerala. The famous bell metal products of Kerala include beautifully carved idols, ritualistic temple lamps, church bells, ashtrays, fruit bowls, cooking vessels, jewel boxes, pickle jars, oil lamps and tabletops. Aranmula kannadi or Aranmula Mirror, composed of a special metal alloy, instead of glass, is the end result of a unique and secret metallurgical tradition.

Lacquer Ware, the craft combining metal and wood, is a favorite among the tourists. A wide variety of lacquer products are produced in Kerala especially in Ernakulam district. Kerala is next only to Rajasthan in having the largest collection of murals. Most of these murals are based on themes taken from the epics.

Notable ones are carvings in metal and wood( rosewood and sandalwood), metal jewellery, granite statues, figures and paintings of elephants, coconut shell, coir products, colourful wall hangings, bags and snake boat model. One of the most admirable handicraft is the wooden face of a Kathakali dancer.

 

Coir and cane Products:
The markets of Kerala are spilled with coir and cane products. Coir mattresses, painting decorated mats and floor furnishings are quite famous. Several other coir and cane products are also available. Kollam and Calicut are the known spots for buying coir products.

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Metal ware:
The metal art of Kerala has a charm of its own. Bell metal(an alloy of brass, tin and copper) is predominantly used for making beautiful figures of heavenly deities. Figure depicting the ‘tandava dance’ is very popular. Best places to buy such metal figures are Angadipuram, Payannur and Trivandrum. Another interesting bell metal product is the Aranmula metal mirror  which looks very beautiful.

 

Ivory Products:
Practised since ages, Ivory work is an important part of the culture of Kerala. Ivory carving can be best seen in the form of mythological figures. Wood craft of Kerala also derives its inspiration from the Hindu mythology. The wonderful rosewood carving can be best seen on the temples. Paper weights, lamps, book ends and other decorative items are also carved out of wood. Sandalwood products are very famous here— Ashtrays, toys, decorated boxes, candle stands, statues of elephants, rhinoceros and Kathakali dance postures are a few to name.

Lacquer Ware:
The craftsmen of Kerala make fascinating lacquer products by perfectly combining the metal and wood craft. A wide variety of lacquer products are churned out in Kerala,especially in Ernakulam district.

Textiles:
Silk saris are a must buy in Kerala. The plain white Karaikudi saris with a gold band on the borders and the pallu look very elegant and beautiful. And the Balaramapuram sari with pure zari border is simply irresistible for women who are fond of saris.

Wood Craft:-

Wood Carving creates wide designs in wood by hand with the help of carving tools is called wood carving which is a traditional craft in Kerala.
·         Rose wood:-

Rosewood refers to a richly hued timbers, brownish with darker veining. Rosewoods are strong and heavy taking an excellent polish, being suitable for handicrafts items.

  • Sandal Wood:-

Sandal wood is the fragrant wood of trees in the Genus Santalum. Species of this tree are found in Southern India, Sri Lanka, Australia, South Pacific Islands. It iscomonly used fro incense, aromatherapy, perfume and fine wood working. Some temples have been built with sandalwood in India. It is also considered as an alternative medicine to bring one closer with the divine. Sandal wood essential oil, which is very expensive in its pure form, is used primarily for Ayurvedic purpose and treating anxiety. Jeweller boxex, fans, figures etc are made on sandal wood.

  • White Wood
  • Country Wood
  • Other Wood

 

Handicrafts sector in Kerala:-

Handicrafts sector in the country provides employment to as many as 35 lakhs people and earns foreign exchange to the tune about Rs.36,000 Crores annually. The sector plays a crucial role in rural economy of the country. The Handicrafts sector reflects the cultural richness and the products display the diversity and traditions that exist in the country. The Industry faces a lot of challenges on account of poor productivity, poor wages, and drudgery in work places etc.The younger generation is not enthusiastic about continuing in the traditional sector. Realising the potential of this sector central and state Government have come up with a number of schemes for the development of sector such as cluster approach for development, Advanced tools and Craft development centres, Skill development training, Design and product development, Creation of marketing infrastructure, Craft tourism initiatives etc. In the state of Kerala it is estimated that there are about 1.7 lakh handicrafts artisans actively engaged in the sector. There are 32 different crafts in Kerala of which ivory carving, wood and horn carving, bell metal casting hand embroidery, coconut shell carving are important commercial items. The schemes implemented by the Government of Kerala intend to eliminate middlemen, improve the skill of artisans, productivity, increase market opportunities and strengthen Co-operatives.

The Major Schemes envisage under Handicrafts Sector is detailed below

  1. Handicrafts Sector
  • Assistance to Apex Organisations in Handicrafts sector

The scheme is provided for extending assistance to the following major public sector and apex organisation under handicrafts sector based on definite feasible project proposals

  1.   Handicrafts Apex Co-operative Society (SURABHI)
  2.   Kerala State Bamboo Development Corporation (KSBC)
  3.   Kerala Artisans Development Corporation (KADCO)
  4.   Handicrafts Development Corporation (HDCK)
  5.   Kerala State Palmyrah Products Development Welfare Corporation Ltd.(KELPALM)
  • Establishment of Common Facilities Service Centre for Handicrafts Sector

In handicrafts sector a major problem faced by the artisans is the non availability of a common centre at where they could get the services and machineries in an affordable rate. Establishment of Common facilities Service Centre for Handicraft Products in selected           crafts/areas is essential for giving training in handicrafts, quality testing, machine based job work dyeing, polishing and printing works; the scheme is intended for development and promotion of new designs, Establishment and Modernization of Common Facility Service           Centres of Surabhi, KADCO, HDCK & KELPALM.

The scheme is for implementing the recommendations of mission on Employment Generation approved by the Government. The amount shall be used for activities/programmes in traditional sector.

 

 

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