Keralian Traditional Bell Metal Crafts

Metal work is an ancient art of Kerala. The exquisite "Aranmula Kannadi" is a very special type of metal mirror produced only in Aranmula, a village in the state of Kerala in India.It is not made of glass but with bell metal. This is a unique art which is not found any where else in the world. Aranmula metal mirror is a precious inherited gift. The mystery of its production is a family gift handed over through generations. Indeed, the ancient art of making metal mirrors is still practiced, without modification, by a few family-based artisans in Aranmula. Its creation is a closely guarded secret, known to a few families
Aranmula metal mirror is a rare piece of craft that had existed even during the vedic period of Indian history. The myth about the origin and secret of its composition makes it a truly fascinating craft. As traditional as the mirror-making technology is, the artisans' belief that the composition of the metal mirror is divine and some undisclosed metals alloyed with silver, bronze, copper and tin are responsible for the distortion-free images and its polished face resembling glass because of its wonderful reflecting quality.
The production of temple bells and lamps have been in existence from very early times. Kerala is a home of bell-metals. Gleaming bell metal alloyed from a mixture of brass, tin and copper provide the raw substance for making tower-like lamps. Different types of cooking vessels, like the magnificent 'Varpu', tumblers for drinking etc are some of the other bell metal items. Trivandrum, Irinjalakuda and Kasargod are the main centers of bell-metal.