Handicraft expo gives boost to small-scale artisans in Kerala

A handicraft expo is being organised in Kerala's Kochi city to promote traditional arts and crafts.

The expo that began on March 6 displayed some unique collection of statuettes and craft work of artisans from across the country.

The organisers said the idea behind the expo is to provide a platform to the small-scale artisans and those belonging to the poor community to find their livelihood and also to generate interest in the new generation.

Some of the artifacts displayed at the exhibition were carved rosewood sculptures, intricately carved miniatures of houseboats, elephants, bamboo products and the famed Aranmula kannadi, a handmade metal alloy mirror made in Aranmula, a village of Kerala.

Meera, a participating artisan from Assam, said she is displaying more of bamboo items at the expo as dry flowers and handloom textiles are not much in demand in Kochi.

"I started working in 1997, but at that time we used to organise only two programmes in a year. But now programmes are held on a continuous basis, it has been six years," she said.

Another artisan at the expo said although the market is flooded with cheap Chinese gifts, still there are people who are interested in unique handicraft products.

Another lady artisan Kunjumol, who makes bamboo products, claimed these exhibitions are their bread and butter as they get an opportunity to showcase their work.

The expo is organised by Kairali, a brand name of showrooms that promote traditional arts and crafts in the state, and is owned by the Kerala Government. Kairali functions under the aegis of Handicrafts Development Corporation of Kerala, which buys and help to sell handicraft items.

The expo will conclude on March 25.