Date:10/01/2005 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/thehindu/mp/2005/01/10/stories/2005011000180300.htm

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The Kerala touch

The Kerala handicrafts exhibition has on display natural fibre, metal and wooden items

Arresting array of artefacts from Kerala

BRINGING A little bit of Kerala to Chennai is an exhibition of natural fibre, metal and woodcraft products made by marginalised women of the Jawaharlal Memorial School Welfare Centre, which is part of the Central Government's Ambedkar Hasta Shilpa Vikas Yojana. For those looking for unusual, attractive and affordable gift options, the Kerala handicrafts exhibition is the right destination.

Wall mirrors with antique finish, multi-coloured screwpine boxes, baskets, bags, Nettur boxes in various sizes, whitewood icons and artefacts, all these and more beckon attention at the fair. The products combine traditional skills with contemporary designs.

There is a wide range of items in rosewood — sculpted elephants, mirror frames, fruit bowls and CD rack-cum-bookstand-cum-telephone stands.

The innovative line up also includes a reproduction of "The Last Supper" sculpted out of whitewood as well as unique coconut shell water jugs with rope handles.

The bell metal items sport a neat finish and one can pick up anything from urlis to lamps. The fair is on at the Corporation Community Hall, C.P. Ramaswami Road, Alwarpet till January 15.

PUSHPA CHARI