Kerala being the land of coconuts, it does not come as a surprise that about seventy five percent of the country’s coir comes from this verdant country, making it the largest producer of coir in the country. The process of preparing coir is time consuming. The coconut husk is peeled and soaked in water for about months. This helps in the loosening of the fibers. The golden hued fiber is acquired by battering the separated fiber with a wooden mallet.

This is then spun on spinning machines, called Ratts, another symbol of the heritage and tradition of Kerala. The coir is then ready for dyeing and woven into colorful mattresses, wall hangings, rugs, durries, floral printed mourzouks, cushions. One can don coir jewelry which comes in an array of innovative designs, that will surely make you a show stealer. Coir bags, in myriad hues and manifold shapes score huge brownie points with the fashionistas. Alleypey, Kolam and Calicut are famous for their coir art. This handicraft is also a top revenue grosser for Kerala.

Cane Craft

Cane products are the staple feature of any handicrafts fair where Kerala is sure to have an outlet. Bamboo, rattan, reeds are crafted into durable and trendy furniture, in tune with the advent of stark looking new age homes. Wickerwork, shaping furniture for daily use are the trademark rattan cane products. Chairs, swings, trays, settees, cradles and a host of other traditional, yet in vogue, home accessories boasts of a huge clientele. Bamboo baskets of Kerala are also a collector’s item. Reed are woven into colorful mats. Cane staffs or kettukari are an essential part of the ancient Kerala martial art Kalaripayatu in the kolthari form.

Maps of India provides you the details of the traditional Kerala village industry handicrafts of coir and cane and is your encyclopedic guide into the treasure trove of the other famous handicrafts industries of the exotic state.

Last Updated on 27 May 2011

Kerala Handicrafts