| Kerala, the land of artists, is a renowned exporter of | | | | basins, nut bowls, powder boxes and spoons. |
| a wide variety of handicrafts and small items | | | | Alleppey, Kollam and Calicut are the major centres of |
| showpieces worldwide. Keralites have art in their | | | | such coir and coconut shell products. |
| blood. They emphasize on the use of vibrant colours. | | | | Kathakali Masks |
| Their crafts are very lively and are known for | | | | Kerala, the significant seat of art, craft and culture, is |
| intricate designs and vibrant details. This art of Kerala | | | | famous for the dance form 'Kathakali', which holds a |
| is simply extraordinary and serves as a source of | | | | huge significance in the history and tradition of India. |
| income to these artisans, Government many other | | | | Kerala markets are loaded with these Kathakali |
| industries associated directly or indirectly with it. | | | | Masks, available as souvenirs and show pieces. These |
| This art is quite popular and there is a whole festival | | | | masks are made of clay, plaster of Paris or |
| dedicated just to these handicrafts. Keralites are | | | | paper-mache. The masks are painted green at the |
| expert in carvings on metal and wood like rosewood | | | | base, and decorated with beards and black hair. |
| and sandalwood, metal jewellery, granite statues, | | | | Wood Inlay Products |
| coconut shell and coir products, snake boat model | | | | This is an art of decorating the surface of wood by |
| and other collectibles. Their mural works and masks | | | | setting in pieces of materials such as ivory, plastic, |
| are also extraordinary. Apart from that, these | | | | bone, or wood pieces of various colors. The art first |
| artisans also design the musical instruments used in | | | | requires smoothening the base of the wood and then |
| traditional dance forms. These instruments are | | | | tracing and engraving of the design into the surface. |
| completely handmade and most of them are carved | | | | The designs are given various shades with several |
| out of a single piece of wood. Some of the most | | | | coatings of polish. It is mainly done on Teakwood, |
| attractive crafts of Kerala are: | | | | Rosewood, White Cedar wood etc. The art is used in |
| Bamboo Mat Paintings | | | | making teapots, stools, various types of trays, |
| These paintings form an important part of the major | | | | boxes, vases, ash trays, and photo frames. |
| industries of the state of Kerala. The craftsmen | | | | Bell Metal Products |
| make mats, which act as the canvas. Then they | | | | Visit any of the temples in Kerala and you will be |
| festoon them with sketches touching different | | | | overwhelmed to see the intricate design and |
| themes including natural scenery, birds, animals, | | | | craftsmanship of the metal work done on the |
| human as well as religious figures in vibrant colours. | | | | pedestal or the lamps. The heavy and artfully |
| These mat paintings are given a finishing touch by | | | | designed bell hanging in the premises is again the |
| way of beautiful bamboo reed frames both at the | | | | result of a traditional craft form of Kerala. These bells |
| top and the bottom. It is indeed a mystery how the | | | | are designed with a mixture of brass, tin and copper. |
| local craftsmen weave magic even with a simple | | | | The bell metal industry and bell metal products in |
| thing like bamboo. | | | | Kerala is not a new concept. These bells, having the |
| Coir And Coconut Shell Products | | | | carvings of various gods and goddesses in different |
| Abundance of Coconut trees has also contributed to | | | | postures like tandava nritya, gaja tandava etc., are |
| the flourishing industry of coir and coconut shell | | | | mainly produced in Trivandrum, Irinjalakuda and |
| products. Coir is extracted from the protective | | | | Kasargod. |
| covering of the coconuts. These Coir Products include | | | | The artisans of Kerala are expert in Horn Carving and |
| a variety of floor coverings, carpets, mats, rugs, | | | | Rosewood Carvings as well. This rich art and craft of |
| door mats and crush proof pile carpets. The husk is | | | | the state is a living example of its rich history and |
| drenched in the lagoons for at least ten months. | | | | heritage. The government of Kerala has taken a |
| Finally it is beaten, dyed and weaved to make | | | | special initiative to open a craft village with some of |
| beautiful floor coverings. A few Coconut Shell | | | | the best specimens of the crafts of Kerala. |
| Products are cups, flower vases, snuff boxes, sugar | | | | |