Kerala is famed for its carvings, Cast Bell Metal Work, Jewellery, Granite Idols, Pillars, Coir, Coconut Shell products, Carvings in Wood, especially Rose Wood or Sandal Wood, Snake Boat models and other figurines.
Drums like 'Chenda', 'Maddalam', 'Mridangam' and 'Edakka' are carved out of a single piece logs. Accessories for Kathakali and other popular dance forms are made out of wood or papier-mache.
The bulk of these handicrafts are exported. Polished Coconut Ashtrays, Lamp Stands, Flower Vases, Coir Carpets and Floor Mats, Reed Mats, Purses, Bags and Carved Wooden Furniture is also in vogue.
Particular Centre For The Art Form
Mannar, in Alappuzha District, specialises in a variety of cast Bronze, Bell Metal, Copper and Brass handicrafts like the Puja Lamps, Statues, Brass Inlaid Flower Vases and Bowls.
The district is also very popular for its Coir products.
The intricate Aranmula Mirror, cast from an alloy of Copper and Tin is made in Aranmula in Pathanamthitta district. Chengannur near Pathanamthitta, excels in Granite Carvings, Idols, Pillars, Households and other equipments.
Craftsmen in Thiruvananthapuram make Conch and Sea Shell items like Paper Weights and Lamp Shades besides Rose Wood Elephants. Thalasserri specialises in the making of Parasols, which add colour to festivals.In Kasargod, people make bags and bangles with glass beads. Caparisons for elephants and other festival Paraphernalia are made in Thiruvankulam in Ernakulam district and the adjoining areas of Thrissur. Handloom weaving is centred mainly in Balaramapuram in Thiruvananthapuram and Chennamangalam and Kuthumpally in Northern Kerala. |
Handicraft Centers
Main Centers For Shopping
Most of these items are available at the SMSM Institute, a state owned emporium in Thiruvananthapuram. The Jewellery of Kerala is noted for its intricate artistic quality. Ornaments are mostly made of gold. Each community or caste has its own traditional designs.
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