Location: Vellinezhi is a renowned village located in the Palakkad district of Kerala, India. Known for its rich cultural heritage, Vellinezhi is a vibrant center of traditional arts and crafts.
Famous for:
Carnatic Music: Vellinezhi is celebrated for its contributions to Carnatic music, a classical music form of South India. The village has produced numerous eminent musicians who have enriched the tradition with their performances and teachings.
Crown Making: The village is known for its intricate crown making, primarily used in classical dance forms like Kathakali. The crowns, adorned with elaborate designs and vibrant colors, are crafted with precision and artistry.
Mirror Making and Polishing: Vellinezhi is also famous for its traditional mirror making, specifically the Aranmula Kannadi, a unique, handmade metal-alloy mirror. The process involves meticulous polishing to achieve a reflective surface that is considered auspicious and aesthetically appealing.
Traditional Crafts:
- Mayilpeeli Thoda:
- Description: An ornament made from peacock feathers, worn as part of the Kathakali costume.
- Making Process: The feathers are carefully selected, trimmed, and arranged to form an intricate design. This process involves delicate handiwork and can take several days to complete.
- Time Taken: Typically, it takes about 1-2 weeks to create a single Mayilpeeli Thoda.
- Chevipoo:
- Description: An ornamental flower worn on the ears, part of traditional dance costumes.
- Making Process: Made from materials like cloth or metal, the Chevipoo is crafted and decorated with beads and sequins.
- Time Taken: Each pair of Chevipoo takes about 3-4 days to make.
- Vala:
- Description: Traditional bangles worn by performers.
- Making Process: These bangles are made from metal or wood, often painted and decorated with intricate patterns.
- Time Taken: Crafting a set of Valas takes about 1 week.
- Tholpavakkoothu (Shadow Puppetry):
- Description: A traditional art form involving leather puppets.
- Making Process: The leather is processed, cut into shapes, and painted to create puppets that are used in shadow plays. The making process involves several steps, from tanning the leather to painting the final designs.
- Time Taken: It takes about 2-3 weeks to make a set of puppets.
Community and Cultural Significance: Vellinezhi is a vibrant community where traditional arts and crafts are an integral part of daily life. The village’s dedication to preserving and promoting its cultural heritage has made it a significant cultural hub in Kerala. Visitors to Vellinezhi can witness the meticulous craftsmanship and artistic dedication of the local artisans, gaining a deep appreciation for the village’s rich cultural legacy.
The Charm of Adakkaputhur Mirror
The Adakkaputhur mirror, a stunning creation that showcases Kerala’s rich metallurgical heritage, owes its origin to a visionary effort by two individuals: art appreciator Kunnathumana Raman Namboodiri and skilled blacksmith Balan Moossary. About four decades ago, during a visit to the Kanakakunnu Palace in Thiruvananthapuram, Namboodiri encountered the famous Aranmula metal mirror at an exhibition. Captivated by its flawless craftsmanship, he returned to his home in Vellinezhy, a renowned Kathakali village, with a dream of creating a mirror that could rival the Aranmula’s elegance.
Vellinezhy, steeped in cultural and artistic traditions, provided the perfect backdrop for this new endeavor. Namboodiri, inspired by the Aranmula mirrors, approached Balan Moossary, the village blacksmith, to undertake the ambitious project. Tasked with the challenge of designing a mirror that could mirror the unparalleled craftsmanship of Aranmula, Moossary set to work. His determination and skill gave birth to the Adakkaputhur mirror, named after the village where this new craft was born.
The Adakkaputhur mirror, like its Aranmula counterpart, is made from a unique metal alloy, often a closely guarded secret. Unlike regular mirrors, these metal mirrors are not coated with glass; instead, their highly polished metal surface reflects light with remarkable clarity. The precise composition of the alloy and the painstaking polishing process ensure that the mirror’s reflective surface is flawless.
What sets the Adakkaputhur mirror apart is not just its craftsmanship but also the deep cultural pride it evokes. Much like the Aranmula mirror, owning an Adakkaputhur mirror became a symbol of status and tradition. It occupies a prominent position in many households, a testament to the skill and ingenuity of the craftsmen behind it.
Balan Moossary’s creation has stood the test of time, securing its place as a cherished symbol of Kerala’s metallurgical and cultural legacy. Though lesser known than its Aranmula cousin, the Adakkaputhur mirror’s story is one of innovation, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for tradition. The mirror reflects not only the world around it but also the rich history and cultural heritage of the village from which it emerged.
