Brass and Bell Metal Lamps

Kerala is famous for its metal artisans. Bell metal, white metal, iron, brass, copper art flourishes in these luxuriant back waters. These forms of traditional of handicrafts dates back to a glorious past. Steeped in mythology, idols of deities like Shiva and Nataraj dominate the themes. An alloy of brass, tin and copper, glistening bell metals are also used to cast magnificent lamps in various shapes and sizes. Lamps are an integral part of the lives of the religious Keralites. The ‘Nilavilakku’- an exotic bell metal lamp- is a necessary item in the religious rituals and celebrations in Kerala. The Malayalam language defines it as ground lamp (nilam or ground + vilakku or lamp). Besides being deemed as an auspicious commodity, the ubiquitous nilavilakku, is also used during Kathakali and Thiruvathirakali performances. There are also other kinds of lamps like the Changalavatta or the Greek lamp, the Arati Dipa and the Archana lamp. Apart from the resplendent lamps, the bell metal craftsmen also churn out household utensils like tumblers and vessels. The ‘urli’ and the ‘varpu’- bell metal utensils are Malayalam heritage icons. The famous Aranmula bell metal mirror, an alloy of copper and tin, attracts people in hordes, because of its unique polished surface that boasts of a mirror like reflecting surface. Lord Shiva’s tandav dance, floral patterns, scenes from life in Kerala are also depicted by bell metal art. Bell metal handicraft is concentrated in Trivandrum, Irinjalakuda, Kasargod, Koftagiri, Angadipuram and Payannur.

Exquisite brass lamps, placed at the centre of the stage, brightens up a Kathakali performance. In fact, it is the sole source of light during the performance. Besides being cast into beautifully decorated lamps, brass cymbals are also often used in several performing arts. The Mudiyettu theatrical performance, that pays homage to goddess Bhadrakali, uses Elathaalam (a couple of heavy brass cymbals) that teams up with Chenda and Veekkan, kinds of drums, to form the Kotti Ariyippu that inaugurates the day’s performance.

There are also various kinds of brass balls that the tourists love to collect as mementoes. Pull chain balls, ribbed balls Turned balls, Turned half balls, Two pieces balls are some of those. Thiruvananthapuram, Cochin and Alapuzha are the places to visit for the brass art collector. A tour of The Grand Brass Lamp Parts Inc. and the Aladdin online store lamps should also be a part of you itinerary.

Maps of India tells you all that you need to know about the Kerala brass and bell metal lamp industry, providing you a virtual list of places to visit when you visit Gods Own Country.