Crafts of Kerala can best be described as the mirror of Kerala`s perennial glory and tradition. The crafts of Kerala are completely indigenous which range from woodcarvings, metalwork, wood inlay, ivory craft and stone craft. The raw materials are used very skilfully by the craftsmen of Kerala without sacrificing the requirements of aesthetics. A variety of items are carved out of coconut shells. These include bowls, vases, teapots and ladles. Kerala has an ancient tradition of stone crafts. Since Kerala has a rich variety of granites, it is used for making images. Changanur is an important centre of stone craft in the state. Apart from images, stone is also used in making utility items and structures. Lace and embroidery work of high quality is being done by women in several parts of Kerala. The handicrafts of Kerala, noted for their uniqueness in style, perfection of form and elegance of design form an invaluable part of the life stream of Kerala culture.

The craftsmen of Kerala have also developed a variety of handicrafts using the rich wealth of flora in the state. Articles such as pillow covers, cushions, vanity bags, purses, hats etc., are also made of screw pine. The art of weaving bamboo-reed mats, baskets and fancy articles is also one of the simplest of Kerala handicrafts. Kora grass is similarly used for making mats of different sizes and colours. Rattan is used in the manufacture of articles of daily use like chairs, settees, teapots, cradles, trays, shopping bags and a variety of other utility-cum-fancy articles. The coconut shell is used for the manufacture of such articles of utility and beauty as lamp stands, flower vases, ashtrays etc. Wood Carving, Marquetry in wood, Ivory and Buffalo horn Carving, Screw Pine mat making, Bamboo Reed Weaving, Palmyra Leaf Weaving, Embroidery and Lace Making, Lapidary work, Granite carving, Coconut shell carving, Lacquer work, Cotton map making, toys and dolls, Jewellery, coir products, musical instruments manufacturing are also some of the important handicraft making activities of Kerala.

Wood Crafts in Kerala
Wood craft is one of the ancient arts of Kerala as is testified to by the temples and churches of the state which abound in wood carvings. Blessed with fine quality tropical wood like the rosewood, the white cedar, the durable teak and the slender bamboo, it is natural for the people of the state to have a tradition of woodcarvings. Woodcarvings of Kerala can also be seen in ancient temples and churches. Elephants in variety of postures and sizes are excellent pieces of woodwork, which is reproduced in mostly all varieties of wood namely, rosewood, sandalwood, cedar and teak. The rosewood elephant is embellished with ceremonial umbrella and howdah after the temple elephants of Thrissur. Beautifully female figures are also carved out of kumbli wood. Different woods are used for different purposes, so while rosewood bears a shade of grimness, the light coloured cedar and the fragrant sandalwood highlight a different genre of creativity. Items of furniture like chairs, tables, sofas, cots, radio castings, etc., and models of animals and deities, toys and Kathakali accessories produced by Kerala craftsmen are very much in demand. The models of caparisoned elephants and the carvings of Kathakali dance-dolls are other items having huge demand.

Metal Crafts in Kerala
The craftsmen of Kerala prepare several images of gods and goddesses with bell metal casting. The bell metal industry of Kerala is popular for the Aranmula metal mirror. The shape of this mirror is oval. A standard mirror measures about 6 inches in length and has a handle by which it is to be held. The art of preparing this Aranmula metal mirror is kept it almost as the family secret for several years by the artisans.

Another beautiful tradition of Kerala handicrafts is the making of ivory, bamboo, palm leaves, seashells, coconut shells, clay, cloth, stone, etc. Now, the traces of these handicrafts of Kerala can be seen in palaces, old heritage homes, museums, etc. Kerala is also famous for its carvings, cast bell metal work, jewellery, granite idols, pillars, coir, coconut shell products, carvings in wood, especially rosewood or sandalwood, snake boat models and other figurines. Drums like the chanda, maddalam, mridangam and edakka are carved out of single piece logs. It has been rightly said that crafts virtually run in the blood of Kerala and therefore the quest for innovation and invention continues even today in the state.