Metal work is an age-old artistry in God's own country. Bell-metal casting is quite ancient that co-exists with the old temples of Kerala.
The bell- metal made from the alloy of copper, brass and tin dazzles in the light. This mixture of the three metals also forms the raw material for tower-like lamps.
Idol of deities made of metals (bronze, brass and are copper) are placed in the temples of Kerala.
Kasargod, Trivandrum and Irinjalakuda are the main sites where the bell-metal works are produced. An assortment of metalwares such as various types of enameled cooking utensils, tumblers for drinking water called 'Varpu', lamps of multi-layers are found in Kerala and they reflect superb workmanship. The utensils are designed with various patterns.
Lamps of the remarkable beauty also form a part of Kerala metalware and attracts the attention of the tourists. Such lamps are the Archana lamp, the Arati Dipa and the Changalavatta- the Greek Lamp.
One of the most significant metalwork of Kerala that is worth mentioning is the Aranmula metal mirror. This artifact is very popular among the tourists and you should not drop out this item from your shopping list. The name denotes that it is a product of Aramula, a village located near Chengannur in Kerala. Aramula metal mirror is actually not a glass mirror, but looks exactly like one. It is made by metal casting from the alloy of tin and copper. The polished surface of the metal shines to such an extent, that it is sometimes mistaken as a glass mirror. This metal mirror has a unique reflecting quality. One of the famous metal crafts of India, the Koftagari work is also done in Trivandrum by ace artisans. Koftagiri metalwork includes flowered patterns and sceneries on metal objects or plates, sculptures of deities and other decorative items.
Last Updated on 25 May 2011
