Costumes

Some craftsmen of Kerala manufacture the costumes and accessories required in Kathakali and Teyyam. The ornaments, head gears and costumes for classical arts and ritual arts are entirely made by artists expertised in handicrafts. The costume is the most distinctive characteristic of Kathakali. Costumes are very large and heavy. There are several kinds of costumes. These are Sathwika (the hero), Kathi (the villain), Minukku (females), and Thatti. Each character is instantly recognisable by their characteristic makeup and costume. The dancers wear large head dresses mainly Kireedam, and the contours of the face are extended with moulded lime.

In Tellicherry, the home of Indian circus, the peculiar kinds of umbrella required by circus companies are manufactured. Conch-shell articles like paperweights, pincushions, ashtrays, studs etc are made by craftsmen in Thiruvananthapuram area. In Kasaragod area articles like bangles, vanity bags and name boards are made of glass beads.