Friday, November 20, 2009
Nilavilakku traditional lamp of Kerala
The Nilavilakku is integral to all the rituals and ceremonies in a Keralite's life. As dusk creeps in, young girls of the family bring the lighted lamps (nilavilakku) to the verandah of the house. In the flickering light of the nilavilakku she is joined by the children and elders of the family, especially the grandparents, in chanting hymns and evening prayers.
Lighting the nilavilakku on any occasion is believed to be auspicious. Nilavilakku play an important role at the presentation of various art forms. The art forms are performed after lighting the nilavilakku.
Saturday, November 7, 2009
Nettipattam is an elephent ornament
Around three and a half kilograms of copper and three sovereigns (24 gm) of gold go into the making of a nettipattam. It takes around 20 days to craft this ornament. The size of the nettipattam varies with that of the elephant. An elephant of 9 to 10 ft in height would require an ornament of 60 to 66 inch in length with at least 11 crescents on it.
Nettipattam is primarily made in Thiruvankulam village of Ernakulam and the adjoining areas of Thrissur
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Papier Mache Kathakali Mask
OWC :290-001Joint Wood Mat : (Flower mat) (New star) (Star)Dia : 15cm
Rosewood,coconut stem and softwood are the woods used for this craft. The wood is sliced into small sizes of diamond shape by using table saw machine, holes are made crosswise, jointed together by using nylon thread to form the mat.
Rose Wood handicrafts
Unique artistic handicrafts are a specialty in Kerala. The dedicated artisans work arduously to make exotic inimitable and artistic handicrafts. The handicrafts are made with ivory, bamboo, palm leaves, sea shells, wood, coconut shells, clay, clothes, metals and stones Natural dyes, natural sustainable materials and simplicity add extra content to the products. The distinctive patterns,Rosewood refers to a richly hued timbers, brownish with darker veining. Rosewoods are strong and heavy taking an excellent polish, being suitable for handicrafts items.














