Artifacts of Kerala

[minisoji]

Nettur petti: The ethnic jewel box of Kerala




Netturpetti, the ethnic jewel box of the Kerala woman was once a mark of the influential families of the land. The casket ( petti) originally designed in the Nettur region of Malabar is testimony of the patience and skill of the artisans who make it.

The box usually made of rosewood is fully handcrafted. Every joint, every screw and lock is shaped and chiselled by the hand. The wooden box is first varnished and then fixed with brass frames. Today, this richly embellished box with its conical lid is a collector's item. Very few of the artisans remain and the casket is fast becoming a rare object.

Keywords: kerala artifacts, kerala tourism, Aranmula Kannadi, Para, Coircrafts, Nettur petti, Nettippattom