Rosewood Carving
Karnataka and Kerala are famous for the technique of carving of figures in rosewood. This requires the utmost skill since the figure of animal form must maintain its identity when viewed from any angle. Icons, elephants, boxes and curios are produced in rosewood with profusion of carving and inlay work. The best rosewood carved pieces are finely and realistically sculpted. Rosewood beds are a specialty of Kerala.
Coconut Shell
A variety of objects are carved out of coconut shells in Kerala. These include bowls, vases, tea pots and ladles.
Bell metal products
Beautifully proportioned cooking vessels with classic curves as well as ritualistic lamps and many decorative functional items are crafted out of bell metal in Kerala, the home of bell metal. Kerala's "urlis" are superb examples of the traditional Kerala craftsperson's' sense of chaste aesthetics and harmony. Apart from urlis, oil cans, tumblers and jugs, today bell metal ware in Kerala embraces jewel boxes, lime jars, "paan" boxes each of which is beautifully finished.
Woodwork
The best in Kerala wood carving is seen in ancient temples and churches. Kerala produces elephants in profusion in a variety of postures and sizes, from microscopic to huge made with rosewood or teak. Beautiful female figures are also carved out of kumbli wood in Kerala.
Wood Inlay
Marquetry though comparatively new to Kerala (not traditional) has developed fairly well. Far apart from the charm that it gives to the article, any piece of wood in spite of its anatomical defects due to malformation can still be purposefully utilized. Only superior type of wood like teak, rose, agi (white cedar) are used here to prevent easy cracks. Articles like trays of various types, teapots, stools, vases, boxes, ash trays and photo frames are made.
Stonecraft
Stone carving has a very ancient history in Kerala. Stone sculpture belonging to the historic period dates back to the early part of this century and includes some extraordinary dancing figures. The Padmanabhaswami temple in Trivandrum is a storehouse of fine sculpture.
Kerala is rich in granite which is largely used in image making for which Changanur is an important centre. Apart from icons, this stone is also used for making household articles and structures.
