Kerala handicrafts

Types of Kerala handicrafts

Kerala handicrafts are a living testimony to their rich cultural heritage and tradition. Craftsmen in Kerala have honed their skills for generations, producing various handicrafts using different materials. These handicrafts reflect the artistry and creativity of the local artisans and serve as a connection to the state's history and cultural identity. Kerala is known for its wood handicrafts, metal handicrafts, earthen handicrafts, textile handicrafts, and glass handicrafts.

• Wood handicrafts

  The woodwork of Kerala is famous for its intricacy and artistry. Skilled craftsmen carve beautiful designs on wood, make furniture, and build architectural elements like doors and windows. Kerala has abundant hardwoods, which artisans use to create products ranging from carved religious idols to inlaid decorative boxes.

• Metal handicrafts

  Metal crafts include intricate jewellery, decorative items and utensils made from copper, brass, and other metals. Bell metal handicrafts are particularly famous, producing everything from traditional lamps (nilavilakku) to fine cookware. The metal craftspeople of Kerala combine age-old methods with new ideas to make timeless pieces that blend beauty and practicality.

• Earthen handicrafts

  Kerala's clay crafts range from functional pottery to artistic sculptures. The potters use local clay to make traditional earthenware utensils, beautifully decorated tiles, and figurines. They also produce terracotta handicrafts Kerala, which are known for their rustic charm and connection to the region's agricultural roots.

• Textile handicrafts

  Kerala's textile handicrafts showcase the state's vibrant weaving and embroidery traditions. Handwoven fabrics like kasavu sarees, which use gold and cream threads, and embroidered garments reflect Kerala's rich cultural heritage. Craftspeople weave intricate designs into their textiles using traditional methods, resulting in beautiful clothing that tells stories about the state's art and culture.

• Glass handicrafts

  Glass crafts in Kerala include stained glass work, glass beads jewellery, and decorative items. Artisans create intricate designs by combining different colored glass pieces, resulting in beautiful windows, wall hangings, and other decorative pieces. The glass handicrafts of Kerala are known for their transparency, colorfulness, and visual appeal.

Design of Kerala handicrafts

The design of Kerala handicrafts reflects a rich cultural heritage and a deep connection to nature. Craftsmen draw inspiration from the state's lush landscapes, traditional art forms, and architectural styles. These designs typically incorporate intricate patterns, vibrant colors, and a blend of materials such as wood, coir, and metal. They often showcase motifs derived from local flora and fauna, as well as elements from the state's historic temples and forts. The craftsmanship in Kerala handicrafts is characterized by attention to detail and a commitment to preserving age-old techniques, resulting in products that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

• Traditional motifs and patterns

  The designs of Kerala handicrafts often feature traditional motifs and patterns that are influenced by the state's rich cultural heritage and natural surroundings. One prominent source of inspiration for these designs is the state's traditional art forms, such as mural paintings and temple architecture. Craftsmen incorporate intricate patterns found in these murals and motifs from local flora and fauna, creating a design language that is distinctly Keralite.

• Color palette

  The color palette of Kerala handicrafts is also heavily influenced by the state's vibrant landscapes. For example, the coir products often feature shades of green, reflecting the coconut trees that grow abundantly in Kerala, as well as browns and earthy tones representing the coir's natural state. Wooden handicrafts may have bright colors or the natural finish of the wood, depending on whether they are painted or left untreated.

• Materials and their properties

  The design of Kerala handicrafts is shaped by the materials used and their unique properties. For instance, metal crafts make use of materials like brass, copper, and silver, which can be easily molded into complex shapes and have a distinct shine when polished. Bamboo and grass weaving relies on the flexibility and resilience of the materials, allowing artisans to create durable and intricate products. Similarly, the use of spices in some crafts not only adds to the visual appeal but also imparts a sensory experience through fragrance.

• Functional aspects

  The handicrafts of Kerala strike a balance between aesthetic appeal and functional aspects. The metal lamps are designed to provide optimal lighting while also showcasing intricate carvings. Similarly, the wooden furniture is crafted to be sturdy and practical, often featuring exquisite designs that make it a work of art in itself.

• Influence of local environment

  The local environment plays a significant role in shaping the designs of Kerala handicrafts. The abundant coconut trees, for example, have led to a wide range of coir products, utilizing the fibrous husk of coconuts. Bamboo and wild grass crafts have emerged from the availability of these fast-growing, sustainable materials. This influence of the local environment ensures that the handicrafts are not only reflective of the region's ecology but are also made using resources that are readily available and sustainable.

Scenarios of Kerala handicrafts

• Functional and Aesthetic Home Décor:

  Kerala handicrafts are used to make home décor items like wall hangings, decorative lamps, and carved wooden sculptures. These items add beauty to the living space and reflect the cultural heritage of Kerala. For example, a coir mat with traditional patterns can be used to decorate the entrance of a house, and a brass mural can be placed on a living room wall.

• Crafting Unique Furniture:

  Kerala handicrafts include intricately carved wooden furniture, such as chairs, tables, and cabinets. These pieces are not only functional but also works of art that can be passed down through generations.

• Creating Beautiful Handcrafted Pottery:

  Kerala's clay potters produce unique pottery items like earthen lamps, cooking pots, and decorative vases. These pottery items give daily tasks a touch of tradition and can be used to beautify living spaces.

• Making Traditional Jewelry:

  Kerala's goldsmiths create beautiful, traditional jewelry. Items like necklaces, earrings, and bangles are made with intricate patterns. These jewelry pieces are worn on special occasions and are an important part of Kerala women's cultural heritage.

• Crafting Exquisite Handloom Textiles:

  The handloom weavers of Kerala produce high-quality textiles using cotton, silk, and wool. These textiles are used to make traditional lungis, sarees, shirts, and modern items like curtains, cushion covers, and tablecloths. Kerala's textile designs incorporate floral motifs and geometric patterns and are known for their bright colors.

• Creating Unique Terracotta Crafts:

  Terracotta artisans make various items using clay that is baked in a kiln. These include earthenware pots, traditional lamp designs, and decorative wall hangings. Terracotta crafts are known for their rustic look and connection to nature.

How to choose Kerala handicrafts

• Purpose:

  Decide why one is buying Kerala handicrafts. Is it for decorating home, gifting, or using everyday? This will help narrow choices. For decor, look for beautiful things like murals or wooden carvrafts. For gifts, consider something unique and meaningful like kasavu sarees or metal lamps. If buying to use daily, choose functional items like pottery or woven baskets.

• Authenticity:

  To get true Kerala crafts, check authenticity labels. Look for crafts that have Kerala's culture stamp. This ensures the craft is really from Kerala and not mass-produced copies.

• Quality:

  Examine the quality of handicrafts before buying. Check for neat finishing, strong joins, and no damage. Good crafts may cost a bit more but will last longer and support the artists better.

• Sustainability:

  Choose crafts that use sustainable materials and support the local artists. This helps the environment and ensures crafts stay in Kerala for future generations. Look for things made from bamboo, coconut shells, and natural dyes.

• Local markets vs. Online shopping:

  If in Kerala, visit local markets like Lulu Mall or handicraft fairs to see and buy crafts directly. But online shopping is more convenient for those not in Kerala. Just ensure the site is reliable before buying.

• Budget:

  Set a budget before shopping for Kerala handicrafts. There is a wide range, but unique, hand-made items may cost more. Know how much one can spend so as not to overspend.

Q&A

Q1. What are Kerala handicrafts known for?

A1. Kerala handicrafts are known for their exquisite craftsmanship and use of traditional techniques. They reflect the rich cultural heritage of Kerala.

Q2. What are some popular types of Kerala handicrafts?

A2. Some popular types include bamboo and cane crafts, coir crafts, metal crafts, wood crafts, embroidery, and handloom textiles.

Q3. What makes metal crafts in Kerala unique?

A3. Metal crafts involve intricate designs made from brass, copper, and silver, including lamps, jewelry, and decorative pieces.

Q4. How do handicrafts contribute to the livelihood of artisans in Kerala?

A4. Handicrafts provide a source of income for local artisans, preserving their skills and supporting their communities.

Q5. How can one identify authentic Kerala handicrafts?

A5. Authentic Kerala handicrafts can be identified by their craftsmanship, use of traditional materials, and adherence to traditional techniques.