Monday, November 1, 2010

Jewellery of Kerala

Kasumala -  This piece of jewellary is made by joining coins ( Kasu in malayalam) embossed with lakshmi's image. This is usually worn with the traditional Kasavu Mundu set in Kerala. It is often worn when the women of Kerala dance  for the festivals and functions like Thiruvathira  or kaikottikali. This kasumala is said to bring propserity to the wearer and comes with matching bangles and ear rings.

Nagapadam -  This is a design made like the hood of the serpent and it is said to be a tribute to the sarpa kaavu found in most of the malayali homes. The neclace has green stones  and can be worn either short or long topped by either 4 or 6 rubies. This is worn  with matching ear rings.

Mulla mottu mala -  This necklace  is named after the jasmine buds. This is a favourite traditional jewellery among the women of Kerala since it is reminiscent of the fragrance of the jasmine flowers.  jasmine flowers are the main flowers used in the temple worships of Kerala. This Mulla mottu mala also has a short and long variation  and has a set of matching ear rings. This is sometimes designed with a ruby or an emerald sitting on the top of the mullamottu.

Poothali - Every necklace in Kerala which comes with the word Thali will have a banyan tree leaf pendant. Poothali is one such piece whicch is worn tightly around the neck with several pendants strung together.each pendant has a intricate flower design with a stone in the centre which usually will be red or green.  The necklace is usually worn with the traditional Jimki or anyother matching ear ring.

Padakkamala -  This is one of the most ornamental pieces of the Kerala traditional jewellary. The padakka mala looks like a collection of medals having an elaborate design.Each medal is embedded with a single ruby and is often worn by the brides with the bridal trousseau. The necklace symbolises properity and can be teamed along with broad bangles. This is best worn with the traditional Kerala Kasavu Saree made of cream and gold.

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