Kolkkali

Kolkkali

'Kolkkali' by Vaghbhadananda Vanitha Kolkali Sangam at Vylopilli Samskriti bhavan

The folk art of Kolkkali is of recent origin, believed to be only about 200 years old. I have heard about Muslim men Kolkkali - made popular by the various school arts festivals. Last Saturday,  I happened to see a Kolkkali performance by a group of Hindu women at the Vylopilli Samskriti bhavan. 9 women and one man performed the dance. I do not know if the man was  a 'fill-in' for an absentee. Though he appeared to be a senior performer, the lone male in a group of women looked odd. The lead singer,of course was a male who stood in the centre. This was similar to the 'kolaattam' popular among the young women of Tamil Nadu.  I was glad that the Bhavan was encouraging such art forms. It was pity that there were only a handful of people in the audience. 

Door

Traditional door front in the busy Padmavilasam road, Fort, Thiruvananthpuram

Kerala Artisans' Development Corporation, Craft Mela at VJT Hall

Simultaneously there are three craft exhibitions going on in Thiuvananthapuram this week. I had already reported about the Gandhi Shilp Bazaar at Kanakakunnu. The other one is the Kerala Artisans' Development Corporatio's Craft Mela at the VJT Hall.

Bangles in Boxes                                                                                                            Bangles on stand

Tribal art from Orissa - ceramic on canvas

 Orissa art - applique

Saura paintings from Koraput, Odissa

Today, my quest for cultural knowledge led me to the Orissa Crafts fair at the iconic VJT Hall, Palayam. The above picture is of a 'Saura' Tribal painting from Koraput District, Odissa. I learn that the Suaras are one of the oldest tribes in the sub-continent. They have been mentioned even in the Ramayana and Mahabharata. Their paintings invariably have some religious significance. The above painting is on tussore silk and was being offered for Rs 7000.

Most artisans or traders who come to sell such handicraft items are not good salesmen. If they can give the background, history, ethnicity, intricacy, exclusivity and significance of these works, I am sure there will be more takers. It can also give the buyer a 'story' to share with her friends and create word-of-mouth publicity. If the artisans themselves are not good communicators, they can be aided by brief leaflets or presentations. Small versions of these can also be inserted into the packaging for the buyer to take home. A certificate of authenticity by any credible (sounding) body can also enhance the value.

Applique works from Puri Dt.