Many takers for terracotta ware

Expo has been organised by the Nilambur-based Anaswara Self-Help Group

Eco-friendly terracotta kitchenware on display at an exhibition at the Museum auditorium in Thiruvananthapuram.

There are many takers for the eco-friendly terracotta kitchenware that are on offer at the Museum Auditorium. The venue of a six-day exhibition organised by the Nilambur-based Anaswara Self-Help Group, a Kudumbasree unit, has been buzzing with activity for the last few days.

A wide variety of terracotta products ranging from kitchenware to murals have been kept for sale by the group of pottery artisans, who hail from Aruvacode, a village that is largely known for the Kumbara artisan community, which specialised in pottery art. While the region was once a centre of intense activity with numerous artisans plying their trade, only around 50 families persist with the art for their livelihood at present. The efforts that have been made by Anaswara during the last few years have sparked a resurgence in pottery trade.

According to M. Vijayakumari, one of the coordinators, terracotta kitchenware is widely known to be free of chemicals and made using environment-friendly materials. As a result, many households have been switching over from aluminium and non-stick wares. Besides, the hard work that is put in by the artisans has resulted in our products known for their durability.

Products that are displayed included mugs, earthen pots, utensils, storage vessels, kettles and showpiece items. In addition, there are also murals displaying images of the deities, which are carved on baked clay tiles.

Customer base

Ms. Vijayakumari says that the group has succeeded in building a loyal customer base. Many of those who have purchased products during the last two editions of the exhibition in the city have returned for more, she claimed.

The exhibition, which will conclude on Monday, is open to the public from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.