Blessed with a host of people with extraordinary talents and creativity, Kerala has earned a lasting name as a land of exquisite handicrafts. Handicraft works of Kerala are of great appeal for both natives and visitors.
Keralites make skilful use of locally available raw materials to create outstanding designs. The statue of an elephant made of wood, an idol carved out of coconut husk, or the model of a boat made out of coconut shell are only some among the charming products you can find in the course of your journey through Kerala. Handicrafts of Kerala are so popular that there is a huge demand for exporting these unique items abroad. Native musical instruments such as Chenda, Maddalam, Edakka and Mridangam carved out of a single piece of wood are other interesting products.
Kerala is marked by the rows and rows of coconut trees, and there are a number of handicraft pieces made out coconut products. Besides these, bell metal castings in the images of idols, miniature metal boxes, jewelry boxes, and multi-layered lamp stands are some of the stunning handicraft works of Kerala.
Aranmula mirrors, Malappuram knives, bell metal items such as the famous Manichithrathazhu, and statue of Nataraja on metal are some of the traditional handicraft works of Kerala that enjoy great demand in the worldwide market. Pine products, coir materials, bamboo crafts, coconut shell carvings and ivory carvings are some of the interesting handcrafted products that highlight the outstanding creativity of the Keralites. Skilled artisans are also involved in costumes and accessory designing for certain art forms such as Theyyam and Kathakali.
Nowadays, there are many institutes and centers in Kerala to promote outstanding handicrafts. A visitor to Kerala will be drawn instantaneously not only to the natural beauty of this land, but also to its unique handicrafts which are ideal decorative options. |
