Literally thinking out of the box – Master craftsman from Kerala revives Nettoor Petti & other traditional Boxes
Inheriting the craft form his father Viswanathan Achari, a skilled craftsman, VV Suresh Kumar has forged a new life into a welter of traditional wood carved boxes used Kerala for various purposes.
Instead of making those alluring teak and rosewood traditional boxes , addressed colloquially as Ari petti (to store grains), arrappu petti (to keep spices for daily use), kaal petti, (to keep their clothes and documents in) and kai petti, a slim briefcase-like box with compartments, carried by karyasthan (manager) of a wealthy landlord or merchant, have all got takers. Marunnu petti (medicine box) was a common fixture in Ayurveda dispensaries. With multiple drawers, it was used to store medicines, herbs and powders. Suresh now makes the boxes in jack, wild jack and mahogany also.
The Nettoor petti is one of the exquisite boxes covered with delicate brass carving used by wealthy families and aristocrats to store valuables and ornaments, also called the aada petti, usually made of teak and rosewood, was ornamented with brass and had compartments and secret chambers inside. However, with the advent metal cupboards and lockers, the box slipped into disuse over the time.
His father had been credited with the phenomenal work done under a project of the Government of Kerala to save Nettoor petti from the brink of extinction.
Instead of just replicating the boxes of yore, Suresh has given it a contemporary look for present-day buyers. So, the Nettoor petti and Aatta petti come with paintings in different colour palettes. Though some customers are fond of vintage look, there are others who want it to be painted with mural-like work or carving on the boxes.
The box making is an arduous work as it is made from a single piece of wood and the compartments were carved inside, thus obviating the need for any joint.
Another intriguing box is the cheppu (round or cylindrical container with a lid) that is made from the root of trees. The thick part of the root is taken and hollowed out to shape it and then ornamented with brass strips and carvings.
His work has been celebrated even in the far off lands as well, Suresh had been commissioned to make an ornamental box to carry the relics of Saint Chavara Kuriakose Elias and Saint Euphrasia to Rome for canonisation by Pope Francis at the Vatican. Exquisite ornamental boxes with glass on all four sides were made for the occasion.
At present, he runs a outlet at Kerala Arts and Crafts Village in Vellar, near Kovalam, which is managed by his brother VV Ramesh Kumar. The cost of the boxes goes from Rs 2500 and above.
Photo credit: SREEJITH R KUMAR
