Wednesday 15 May 2019

NETTIPATNAM - Kerela Crafts


In last summer vacation I visited Kerela I must say I instantly fell in love with the weather. It was major relief from the scorching heat of Delhi to cool breezes of seacoast. The backwaters with the lush green surroundings were really bliss.

Kerela is known best for it beaches, backwaters and most importantly its handicrafts. It was so mesmerizing to see the beautiful artifacts at various places we visited. Few things caught my attention and one of those from Kerela crafts that made me to stop was Nettipatam. Its intricate design left me awestruck and so I decided to explore more about it.



What is Nettipatam:

Nettipatam (Elephant Caparison) is a traditional handicraft of Kerela that is used to adorn the elephant forehead and trunk during special occasions and festivals. Elephants are important part of Indian festivals, usually they are painted and decorated with cloth covers but in Kerela elephants are decorated with Nettipatam.


Thrissur Pooram is the local festival in which all Elephants are adorned with Nettipatam. According to the legends Lord Brahma first designed Nettipatam for Lord Indra’s Elephant Airavat.
Many more stories are also associated with its make and designs too.

Nettipatam & its Designs:

Traditional Nettipatam is made from Jute and cotton cloth, locally called as Jagathanath cloth, red cotton cloth material, which is used in length and width. These materials are then stitched in semicircle shape that is copper plated with gold.

Traditional Nettipatam is crafted with pure gold plating whereas the fancy ones are given a golden hue. Craftsmen sewing these Nettipatams are an expert and are trustworthy as they have plenty have bubble like structures made of gold, that is intricate in the pattern to make the extravagant Nettipatam. 

In Thirssur Pooram festival, the center elephant wears Nettipatam called Churapooli, which is long as the elephant is also huge and has long forehead. The elephants to the right and left of center ones wear Nettipatam called Nagapaddam that has pattern of snake on it. And the rest of elephants wear Vandoodae Nettipatam, which have a shape of wasp. All these are used in traditional festivals and are built with a month long hardwork of expert craftsmen.

Fancy Nettipatams are given a golden hue and are more economical one and are made of polymer and plastic material and colorful wool.


Benefits of Nettipatam:
§  It is not only a decorative piece but also has a great significance.
§  It is believe that by keeping Nettipatam in house and offices, brings happiness and prosperity follows.
§  This colouful artifact also accompanies positive energy, success, beauty and good luck.
§  Nettipatam sizes vary drastically, from car hangings to cover the huge elephant forehead. So you know which size to buy for yourself.
§  They are also a perfect way to decorate our home or could be a great option as a gift.

Knowing facts and the stories of its make that I couldn't resist myself buying one miniature piece of Nettipatam wall hanging and it is so appealing.
 
As the luggage was already full I could only manage to get a tiny one from Kerela. So I am on my way to order one from Roque Handicrafts, to get my choice Nettipatam, delivered at home. You can find various size options at Roque Handicrafts website and which are also available at leading online e-commerce website Amazon.


Decorating home with handicraft items is my way, what is your way to decorate home?
Do you have a corner that depicts love for handicrafts?
Share your thoughts with us in comments section below.



@Sonal

34 comments:

  1. wow these look gorgeous and yes i love handmade artifact at my home too. i have some done by me

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    1. I am also a lover of handicrafts and so couldn't resist myself from picking one.

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  2. I have seen this artwork many times in the past, but never knew the name. I casually called it Elehant's head artwork. Thanks for the information about it.

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  3. I am waiting to move to my own place and have an art corner there. But seriously, this traditional art and craft are so beautiful.

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    1. It would be great that if you have an art corner at your place.

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  4. I didn't now about the significance of Nettipatnam, though I have seen them before. Thank you for sharing!
    Noor Anand Chawla

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    1. I had an opportunity to meet the local people and got to know about the related historic stories.

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  5. I have seen and heard of Nettipatnam but I had idea of the significance it holds in terms of positive energy, prosperity and happiness. Something new I learned today.

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    1. It has all the valor of a mighty elephant.

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  6. I saw this Nettipatnam form of art on my recent trip. And even got home a pretty Elephant decoration for my wall.

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    1. It is a true eye catcher and a great piece of craftsmen-ship that is perfect for home decor.

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  7. I too buy local artifacts while traveling .Loved this sneak peek into Kerala crafts

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  8. Unfortunately, I was not aware of this art but this is beautiful. Thanks for sharing.

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  9. Visiting Kerala has been in my bucket list since forever, after reading this I so want to visit it soon. Thank you for sharing the significance and meaning of Nettipatam, we all learn new things everyday.

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Yes It was mine too for a long time, but now happy that I had an opportunity to feel the heavenly beauty of Kerela

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  10. I had no idea about Netipattam. Your post made me know about something new today. And it's surely impressive

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  11. Whenever I visit Kerela I would like to buy some Netipattam for family and friends. I never knew about these! :)

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  12. Whenever i visit Kerala i am sure to bring along a small sized Nettipatam for home decorative purpose.love how they are each handmade.

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    1. Handmade artifacts holds a special place in each ones heart.

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  13. Oh wow, this is so beautiful. I love handmade arts. i will definitely explore more about nettipatnam.

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    1. The intricate designs make them stand out.

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  14. These look so beautiful. I have only seen on TV. But yes, whenever I go to Kerela this will be a must buy surely.

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    1. Visiting Kerala and not buying one is next to impossible!

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  15. I bought one on my trip to Kerala but didn't know it's name or significance then. Thanks for sharing.

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  16. i am a keralite and hence knew the background of Nettipatam . glad I got to read about it in so much of detail.

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  17. I love decorating my home and hand crafted things are always my first choice. I had no idea about this Nettipatam. Kerala is in my bucket list so will try to buy this piece for my house.

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    1. It will be a great choice to decorate you home with such a beautiful masterpiece.

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  18. good to know about Nettipatnam, thanks for the details.

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    1. It is always good to share the information with you all.

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