Preserving Elegance: Exploring the Timeless Appeal of
Antique Furniture
Abharanapetti
Abharanapetti is a type of box designed to keep ornaments made of gold, silver and gems.This box is preferably made of teak wood, which has several concealed chambers to keep different types of ornaments. The shape of the box changes with the size of the ornaments and the artistic sense of the owner. In most case it is beautifully carved with designs and sometimes in- laid with gold, copper,silver and brass on the outer surface of the box. Ivory,horns of deer and other animals are also used for the inside works of the box. Usually the old lady of the house is the custodian of the box
Cherivu Mesa (Writing table)
Cherivu Mesa, or a writing table, is a small table characterized by a slanting portion designed for placing paper while writing. This particular type of table was commonly employed in commercial and textile shops. The slanting feature provides a comfortable writing surface, making it practical for various clerical and administrative tasks. Typically crafted with functionality in mind, Cherivu Mesa reflects a historical and utilitarian aspect, offering a dedicated space for writing and documentation in commercial settings. The design suggests a blend of practicality and simplicity tailored to the specific needs of workspaces like commercial and textile establishments.
Chellapetti
Chellapetti is a special type of box commonly used by old people to keep natural paan masala used for chewing . The box has different chambers to keep paan items like betel leaves, tobacco, arecanut and lime. Sometimes there will be chamber to keep even a small knife. In Malabar, the chewing of paan masala is called murukkal and the box is called murukkan petti.
Pettakam
Pettakam is a traditional storage box designed for keeping clothes. Typically crafted from teakwood for its durability, these boxes were commonplace in regions such as Malabar and other areas of Kerala. Pettakam serves as a practical and sturdy solution for organizing and storing clothing items, reflecting the traditional craftsmanship of the region. The use of teakwood not only contributes to the box's resilience but also adds a touch of natural elegance. This piece of furniture represents a cultural connection to the historical storage practices and preferences in Kerala, where functional yet aesthetically pleasing solutions were valued.
Merika
Merika" is a type of container specifically designed
for storing salt in the kitchen. This container is essential because salt
should not be stored in mud or iron vessels, as salt tends to absorb
atmospheric moisture, potentially causing rust in the container. The purpose of
Merika is to provide an appropriate storage solution for salt, ensuring its
quality and preventing any adverse reactions with the container material. This
specialized container demonstrates a thoughtful approach to preserving the
integrity of kitchen essentials and addressing the unique needs of salt
storage.Â
Pallamkhuzi
Pallamkhuzi, a cherished traditional board game hailing from Southern India, is an enthralling wooden wonder. Played on a rectangular board adorned with 14 wooden cups, the game features 146 wooden counters like seeds or shells. As players take turns strategically distributing these counters across the wooden cups, the game unfolds with a blend of skill and foresight. The tactile pleasure of handling wooden components adds an authentic touch to the gaming experience. Whether you're a seasoned enthusiast or a newcomer, Pallamkhuzi invites you to relish the charm of a wooden masterpiece that transcends generations.
Avanipalaka
Avanippalaka is commonly seen in pooja rooms of the Hindu tharavadu households and other sacred places . Avanippalaka is a specially designed wooden plank used by priest (poojari) to perform pooja. The poojari sits on the avanipplaka,enchanting manthras and performing the pooja rituals. There is an ancient belief that when Brahmins perform the pooja, the tail end of the avanippalka should direct towards the right side and in case of kshatriyas it should be towards the left side. Unlike other items, it is still commonly used in all the temples of Malabar.
THUDI
Thudi is a unique wooden pulley designed specifically for drawing water from wells. Crafted from teak wood, this traditional tool is known for its durability and resilience, essential qualities for the demanding task of drawing water. What sets the Thudi apart is its distinctive characteristic of producing loud noises during the water-drawing process. This audible feature not only serves a functional purpose, signaling the activity, but also adds a cultural element to the experience of drawing water from wells. The use of teak wood showcases a thoughtful choice of material, emphasizing both practicality and longevity in the design of this traditional water-drawing tool.
Bhasmakkota
Bhasmakotta is a type of wooden basket made of teak wood to keep Bhasma . Bhasma isprepared by burning dry cow dung together with agarbathi incense sticks) and carpooram (camphor).Usually, bhasmakotta is hanged with a chain device in front of the poomukham (portico) of the house. It is usually in pyramidal shape and the shape varies with caste and locality. The shape is also diversified with beautiful carving, adds to the beauty of Bhasmakotta.It is one of the oldest pooja materials in Malabar area.
MasalapettiÂ
Masalapetti is a wooden box designed for storing condiments and spices in the kitchen. Crafted from teakwood, this box typically features 5-6 chambers, each designated for different condiments. The design of Masalapetti allows for organized and convenient storage of a variety of spices, ensuring easy access during cooking. The use of teakwood not only adds a touch of elegance but also contributes to the durability of the box. This traditional kitchen accessory reflects a cultural appreciation for the art of seasoning and showcases a practical and aesthetic solution for keeping spices readily available in the culinary space.
Oushadhapetti
Oushadhapetti is a traditional wooden box
specifically designed for storing medicines, particularly Ayurvedic medicines.
Commonly found in Malabar and other regions of Kerala, this box is crafted from
teakwood. The choice of teakwood not only imparts durability to the box but
also adds a touch of natural elegance. Oushadhapetti serves the purpose of
organizing and safeguarding various types of medicines, aligning with the
principles of Ayurveda. Its design and cultural significance highlight the
importance of proper storage for medicinal herbs and formulations in
traditional practices, reflecting a connection between craftsmanship and
healthcare in the Kerala region.
Panapetti
Panapetti is an antique cash box used in olden days, equipped with multiple chambers. Beyond its role in safeguarding money, panapetti also serves as a storage place for important documents. Crafted from teakwood, its hardwood nature ensures resistance against termites and insects, enhancing its longevity. The box is adorned with decorative elements at its corners and edges, often featuring brass, silver, and iron metals. This not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also reflects the craftsmanship and attention to detail in creating functional yet ornate storage solutions for valuables and documents in historical contexts.
Vellikkol
Vellikkol is a balance of the olden days used for weighing spices and other agricultural products . It is mostly made out of teak wood but can be replaced with rosewood or ebony. This is a spindly shaped wooden rod having graduations, each unit being a palam (1 thol = 3 palam = 1 rathal). The two ends are covered with silver decorations, hence the name vellikkol. On one end, there is a hook on which one can hang the material to be measured. The rod is adjusted with a movable thread, with the help of which the measuring is done. Unlike the other modern balances, vellikkol has no zero error. The farmers and merchants were fully depending on this balance for their day-to-day business in olden time. Carpenters and blacksmiths make this balance based on the thachushasthra, science of ancient architecture.
Kayillattakkotta
Kayillattakkotta is a hanging stand designed with multiple small holes for the purpose of storing spoons. Crafted from teakwood for its durability, this stand serves as a practical and organized solution for keeping spoons within easy reach in the kitchen. The design, with its numerous holes, allows for a neat and space-efficient arrangement of spoons. Kayillattakkotta reflects both functionality and the preference for teakwood's resilience in creating household items, showcasing a balance between utility and craftsmanship in traditional storage solutions.