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Kerala is often referred to as an ethnic jungle due to its diverse heritage. Handicrafts, mural paintings, coir products and native food items are among the main ethnic products available in the state. These products range in cost from a few rupees to many thousands of rupees depending upon what you intend to buy. These ethnic products are expressions of individual creativity, tradition and culture. Ethnic products are made by masters whose skills are passed on from generation to generation.
The most significant ethnic products of Kerala include:
Aranmula Kannadi( Metal Mirrors) – This is a special type of mirror produced at Aranmula, a village in Kerala. The mirror is made using specific compositions of metal alloys like copper and tin. It is polished for several days to obtain a distinctive reflective surface like glass. Natural chips of Kerala – These are favorite snacks of the Malayalis and are popular among people of all ages. The chips made can be of banana, jackfruit, tapioca, and potatoes. The price range of these chips varies depending upon the variation in the price of coconut oil. -
Eco-friendly coir crafts - Coir crafts are made from coir. Coir is produced by a laborious process where the coconut husk is made to decay in large quantities in the backwaters so that the softer portion decays and only the fiber remains. These are dyed and used to make a variety of attractive coir products.
Pulppaya( Grass mats) – These are cool seating options excellent for use during hot summers. Pulppaya making features among the oldest hand woven crafts of the state. The Pulppaya is made from ‘korappullu’, a kind of grass, which is processed and colored to make different designs. Kasavu Mundu and Neryathu - Kasavu Mundu and Kasavu Neryathu, are traditional dress items which have a characteristic elegance and charm. These are extremely light pure cotton handlooms that are edged with golden threads and sometimes with contrasting bright colours.
Ethnic products available in Kerala also include a variety of handmade items from bamboo. There are numerous small scale industries in the state producing ethnic products. There are recognized government outlets from where genuine products can be purchased.
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