NETTUR (today Kerala

Nettur

Almost implicit in the term ‘anglo-indian’ is the notion that boxes made during the British colonial period in India would be to British taste and intended for the British market. Oddly, the next type of box predates the British Raj and also outlived it without suffering substantial change. These highly distinctive boxes were/are unashamedly Indian and aimed at the Persian and Arabian markets directly across the Arabian Sea from the Malabar Coast. They have nothing to do with the ‘dowry boxes’ of Rajastan although they are frequently described as such in the western antiques trade. The state currently known as Kerala has long cultural tradition. The Portuguese arrived in the 15thC, were replaced by the Dutch in the 17thC and in the 19thC the British absorbed the Malabar Coast into the Madras Prisidency but throughout these political changes the people, speaking their own language of Malayalam, and remained, like the Scots and Jews, a matriarchal race in which woman commanded wealth and respect. The small village of Nettur situated on the Malabar coast in the state of Kerala has the distinction of having devised a very distinct and unusual box used by the women, temples and noble families for storing jewels and other precious items. It is believed that the boxes were also exported to Persia and Arabia. These handmade boxes were traditionally made of rosewood and the majority continue to be made this way too. However, jackfruit wood, mahogany and teak wood can also be used today. Brass is used for the embellishments that decorate the exterior of the boxes. Everything including the locks, handles, nails and hinges for these boxes are made by hand. In the local language, a box is called ‘petti’ so these distinctive boxes are generally know as nettur petti. The shape of the distinctive lids of these boxes is inspired by the roofs of houses typical of that area of India.

This earlier example does not have the traditional roof lid but uses much of the same vernacular (teak construction, cast brass key and corner strengtheners etc) familiar to the local craftsmen.

The craft for making the traditional ‘roof lid’ boxes is still alive and well. The following description of the boxes and process for making the boxes (all made by hand, even the nails cast and hammered) is provided by Mr. Sunny Kolakur of Veena Murali Decors based in Chennai. "Netoor Petti represents Kerala’s royal heritage. It was originally a part of the Royal households used to store their precious gems. Named after the place of its origin, Nettoor, a village near Kozhikode the Nettoor Petti is a traditional jewelry box of Kerala. Traditionally used by the women of aristocratic families this jewel box is an adept mix of aesthetics and efficacy. A work of art in itself, it is the result of the skillful labour of many. Each stage of this production demands absolute dedication and dexterity. Many works are performed by hand: the hinges and nails are crafted by hand. The boxes are fashioned out of rosewood and other country woods. Once the woodwork is completed the decorative polished brass elements are affixed onto it. The pyramidal lid requires special mention as it embellishes the box with a grandiose impression. The ornamental work on the exterior of Nettoor Petti and its intricate patterns are inspired by the temple architecture and traditional art forms of Kerala. It involves complicated mathematical relationships, highly skilled artistry of metal casting and the intricacy of freehand painting. History The tale must be traced back to the days of mushiga dynasty formerly known as Kolathiris now known as Chirakkal Rajahs. Etymologically ‘Nettur Pettti’ depicts the origin, Nettur is a place situated near Talasseri and ‘Petti’ means box so literal meaning is box made at Nettur. There are few other strong evidences which prove that this particular craft is originated in Kolathiri dynasty. The design influences can be traced in the architectural detailing at temples of north Kerala; the influence of mural paintings and the design influence of folk ritualistic performance ‘theyyam’. At present there is no artisan working on or making Nettur petti in north Kerala; the craft survives only in a few parts of southern Kerala. This craft travelled to south Kerala in the 14th century according to historical evidence. A celebrated ancestor of the Travancore family King Sangamadheera installed two princesses as his successors. At the time, Travancore was known as Kupaka kingdom and was not considered as strictly Malayali in culture. Its rulers and people had affinity towards Tamil society, and Sangamadheera himself had married a Pandya princess, also wining the proudest victories beyond the eastern frontiers of Kerala. The Kolathiri Rajah, therefore, is believed to have been loath to send two of his sisters into a near Tamil family, and it was through clever deception and artful intrigue that Sangamadheera orchestrated their acquisition. Perhaps as a consolation, however, it was decided to protect the adoptees in an insulated cocoon of their own, away from the Tamil influences they so abhorred. A portion of the Kupaka kingdom with its headquarters at Attingal was carved out and a miniature version of Kalahari country was skillfully designed within. Not only was

Thirivirattukkavu Bhagavati consecrated here as the principle goddess, but even soldiers, retainers, artisans, craftsmen, slaves and other moral factors were brought all the way from the homeland of the princesses, instead of being recruited locally. This part of the history of Kerala is to show how the authentic Malabar box or Nettur Petti travelled from North Kerala to South Kerala

Nettur Petti Nettur Petti is a wooden box made with some particular mathematical compositions followed by the rules of ‘Tachusastram’ an ancient architecture science followed in Kerala. Nettur Petti is also known as Malabar box or Amaadapetti in different parts of Kerala. The construction and shape of the box is compared to a traditional Kerala house and the measurements are also followed the same principles. Making Process Wood selection is important and the ones mainly used are rosewood, Jack wood, Jungle Jack and Mahogany, which are locally sourced. There are some criteria for selecting wood. Any bend or decay found on wood eliminates it for making Nettur petti because that will affect the structure and finishing of the box. A hardwood like rosewood, by its variety of colors, textures and grain patterns can be used for the final box without any need for painted decoration. Its appearance, rich earthy colours, durability and ease of construction makes the wood an appreciated part of the whole crafting of Nettur Petti. Once the wood is selected, it is cut into planks. The lower part of petti consist of 7 pieces whereas the upper part consists of 4 pieces. According to the quantity of orders the cutting is done either manually or with the help of machine. The surfaces of the planks are evened out by scraping the uneven parts with the use of cheevuli (Plainer). Once the planks are evened out and cut into individual pieces in required shapes, making of top lid and lower box can begin. The making of the top portion of the box is a complicated process because four pieces of wood have to be joined simultaneously. The edges of the pieces have biased finishing to obtain a fine structure. The top of the Nettur petti is constructed in a shape of the roof of traditional Kerala house architecture. The angles are made with help of the tool ‘gushimattom’ and the biased finishing the edges are done by cheevuli. Later on with the help of ‘pozhichuli’ groves are made so the top portion can accurately sit with the lower part of the box which will give an intact locking system also. Painting The motifs and colour schemes used in Nettur petti is inspired from Kerala mural paintings. Enamel pigments are mostly used. The colors used are red, yellow, orange, black and green. The design inspirations are flora and fauna and occasional use of elephant motifs. The painting of Nettur petti starts with making a fine surface. First a layer of gum is applied on the box thoroughly and good quality canvas is spread on it evenly. Once it is dry and well adhered to the wooden surface, a mixture of chalk powder and gum is applied and multiple layers are made like this. Drying may take a day or two. Once

the surface is dried well enough, orange colour is painted on the surface. Once the paint is dry the surface of the box is smoothed with fine sandpaper to give a smooth surface finish which will help to create flawless design illustrations. After finishing the smoothing process, once again orange colour is painted on the box and dried. Illustrating designs on the surface takes time because it is absolutely done freehand.”

A contemporary craftsman shaping the triangular side of the roofed lid of a Nettur petti. Note the lack of power tools and the judgment of the complex angles purely by eye.