Kerala is famous for its sandalwood handicrafts made of quality sandalwood from Marayoor and Thekkady in Idukki district and created by master craftsmen who have perfected their indigenous skills through the generations.Many of the desirable handicraft gift items are mainly made of materials like sandalwood, rosewood and teakwood.
Easy availability of various high quality wood like the rose wood, sandal wood and teak wood from Marayoor prompted the craftsmen to stretch their skills to the limits, inventing new styles unique to this part of the world The gifted artisans make beautiful idols of Lord Krishna, Ganesh, Goddess Saraswathi, Lakshmi etc in sandal wood ,elephants and pen stands in rose wood and other art works and curios in varieties of other woods.
The life size models of kathakali and the models depicting the boat race of Kerala are Keralas own master pieces in sandalwood and other woods. The idols of Lord Nataraja in dancing pose and those of celestial nymphs and other temple artwork are very attractive.
Emporia
Kerala is also known for its jewellery and cosmetics made from sandalwood got from the only place in Kerala where sandalwood trees abound, Marayoor. Designs range from the elaborate and exquisite to the simple and functional.
The Handicrafts Development Corporation.emporiums display a wide variety of sandalwood products and handicrafts. 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.
A sample of our craftsmens skills, these artefacts capture the expressions, features and proportions of the subject, the golden colour of the wood adding to the richness. Sandalwood retains 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. The rate begins from four hundred rupees onwards. The sculptures of nearly 5 foot height are sold for Five hundred thousand rupees at the SMSM Institute, Thiruvananthapuram.
