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Fibrecrafts
Dolls as
light as feather, mats, purses, bags, bangles, wall hanging, even
parts of dresses... The list of handmade fibre articles is endless
and is best left to the creativity of the craftsmen. A product of
the cottage industry, these articles reach the cities from many
hamlets across the state.
Usually
white or flaxen, these fibres are obtained from plants like the
banana (stem), Pineapple (leaves) etc. The soft, silky texture of
the fibre gives a glazed finish to the products. These fibres are
twisted, tanned and then dyed with pigments, before they are woven
intricately into these numerous articles.
Fibrecraft
articles are available in fancy stores, the SMSM Institute - a state
owned handicrafts emporium at Thiruvananthapuram and are also sold
by street vendors at different tourist destinations.
These
articles are not too expensive and last a lifetime if used with care
and kept in dust free environs.
Sandalwood
Sculptures
They are
a little expensive, but they carry with them the fragrance and
memories of a rich land. The sandalwood sculptures of Kerala are
popular souvenirs : icons of Ganapathy - the elephant headed god,
the trinity - Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, little snake boats,
elephants...
Handicrafts
emporia across the State offer a range of such sculptures in
sandalwood. A sample of our craftsmen's skills, these artefacts
capture the expressions, features and proportions of the subject,
the golden colour of the wood adding to the richness. Sandalwood
retain its fragrance for years, a sprinkling of water on the article
can perfume your room for days together.
Price
varies with the size and complexity of carving. You can pick one up
for anything from Four hundred rupees onwards. The sculptures of
nearly 5 foot height are sold for Five hundred thousand rupees
(exchange rate -1US$ = 42.6 Indian rupees) at the SMSM Institute,
Thiruvananthapuram.
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