
Fibrecrafts
Dolls as light as feather, mats, purses, bags, bangles, wall hanging,
even parts of dresses... The list of handmade fibre articles or
handicrafts is endless and is best left
to the creativity of the craftsmen. A product of the cottage industry,
these articles reach the cities from many hamlets across the state.
Usually white or flaxen, these fibres are obtained
from plants like the banana (stem), Pineapple (leaves) etc. The
soft, silky texture of the fibre gives a glazed finish to the products.
These fibres are twisted, tanned and then dyed with pigments, before
they are woven intricately into these numerous articles.
Handicraft & Fibrecraft articles are available
in fancy stores, the SMSM Institute - a state owned handicrafts
emporium at Thiruvananthapuram and are also sold by street vendors
at different tourist destinations.
These articles are not too expensive and last a
lifetime if used with care and kept in dust free environments.