Ivory Carving

Ivory carving is a traditional art of Kerala. The art was given an impetus by Swati Tirunal Maharaja. An ivory throne made by Swati Tirunal is still preserved as a showpiece. The craftsmen engaged in this art produce a variety of models of mythological characters, animals, birds, cigarette cases etc., to cater to different tastes. Kerala has excelled in the field of painting on ivory. The state with its plethora of temples with spectacular carvings proves their superb workmanship. The Scenes from the Ramayana and other epic stories and a statue of St.George on a giant charger, killing the dragon with his spear are some of the master works of ivory. A typical specimen of ivory carving produced in Kerala is that of the snake boat localled known as Chundan vallam. Miniature shrines with delicate pillars and intricate low relief floral work, caskets depicting scenes from myths and legends, and images of gods and goddesses including Christian icons and symbols have been traditionally made in Kerala. Carving on ivory is done after removing the rough outer bark and the object to be carved is sketched on the piece of ivory. Then a variety of chisels are used to carve the minutest details. Carving entails systematic scrapping, scooping and chiseling of the materials from the core block.