Granite Idols

The talented artists of Bekal have earned a reputation for their brilliant craftsmanship and skill of carving out idols of various gods and goddesses from granite. This centuries-old craft has been admired by tourists from far and wide. The Karumadikuttan idol of Lord Buddha in Alappuzha is a fine example of the creative excellence of the sculptors of the state. Dating back to the 11th century, this idol is made of solid black granite.

 

Granite Idols

Carvings in Wood

The Kasaragod region of Kerala is famous for intricate wooden carvings done in its temples and churches. The doors of the temples in Bekal and its nearby areas are carved with images of gods and goddesses while the top features three-dimensional wooden carvings. The process of wood-carving involves drawing the design on a piece of paper that is then cut along the edges using a sharp knife. The cut-out obtained from this step is then placed on the wood to mark outlines after which the artists finally carve the wood into various shapes and designs. It is interesting to note that the template is used only for outlining while the majority of the carving is done by the artists on the basis of their own imagination and creativity. The most common themes used in carving wooden articles include scenes from mythological epics, floral patterns and animal figurines. Some craftsmen use rose wood to create figures of Lord Buddha and Jesus Christ, Kathakali masks, pen stands and other such articles.

Carvings in Wood

Coconut Products

The landscape of Bekal is dotted with swaying coconut trees. Thanks to the abundance of these, the talented craftsmen of Kerala have been experimenting with their creativity since ages and creating beautiful and eco-friendly products from shells of coconuts. The process of crafting these articles is an intricate one. Firstly, the hard coconut shell is smoothened, then it is cut and carved using edge tools, especially designed for the purpose. From daily use items like bowls, tea pots, cups, spoons and ash-trays to decorative items like lamp shades, vases, wall hangings and floor mats, the handicraft stores in Bekal house a wide range of coconut shell handicraft articles. Some products made from coconut shells like hookahs and large vases are also encased in brass to enhance their beauty and durability.

Coconut Products