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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.
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.
Women in Kerala cherish ornaments and the gold jewellery trade is a
booming business. Ornaments are made in almost all parts of the state,
while moulding of other crafts is confined to select regions.
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.