Horn and Bone Crafts of Southern India are among one of the most prominent crafts of the country. Spectacular in designs, this craftwork offers a tremendous range of artifacts having decorative and utilitarian significance. Southern India has a rich heritage of horn and bone craftwork which is prevalent since ages. The endless list of items in this artistry includes salt and pepper sets, miniature animal figures, wall hangings, cigarette cases, paper cutters, tooth picks, bangles, depiction of Indian dances and many more.

Horn and Bone Crafts of Kerala
Kerala is one of the most important centers of Horn and Bone Crafts in Southern India. Lovely artifacts including toys, miniature animals, paper weights, flower vases, small boxes, lamps, ashtrays etc are the manifestations of this artistry. Places like Kasaragod, Cochin, Trivandrum, Ernakulam and Trichur, in Kerala, are well reputed in this craftwork. Horn and bone crafts are bestowed with exquisite variety of designs and vibrant colours. Designs range from contemporary to traditional styles. Designs are delicately engraved with the aid of a chisel. One of the most common manifestations of this craftwork includes representation of mythological figures like Lord Ganesha, Shiva-Parvati, Vishnu Saraswathi, Goddess Lakshmi and Nataraja. Apart from carving out designs, etching them on the surfaces of horn crafts is also another common practice. Horn and bone crafts comprise of various designs including floral and geometrical patterns and other beautiful scenes. In Thiruvananthapuram, the artisans of Viswakarma Community are well known for this art.

Horn and Bone Crafts of Karnataka
Horn and bone crafts are also extensively practiced in Belgaum district of Karnataka. Ornamental and decorative items furnished by the artisans of this district are very popular in India. The most common product in this area is the traditional comb adorned with intricate designs. Apart from this, bone jewellery, hair pins, buttons, pen stands, trays etc are also crafted with cattle horns. When combined with metal works, these crafts exhibit brilliant appeal.

Horn and Bone Crafts of Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu has also gained acclamation in terms of Horn and Bone Crafts in Southern India. Chennai is one of the leading manufacturers of this craftwork. Antique crafts made out of horns are prepared by adept artisans. Jwellaries including necklaces, bangles etc. are much adored by youngsters. Craving for such jewelleries can also be witnessed among the foreigners from different parts of the world. Besides this, many home d‚cor items are also crafted. They are designed in a range of shapes and designs with vivid colours. These crafts have a fine finish and are greatly charming in their own unique way.

Horn and Bone Crafts of Andhra Pradesh
Vishakhapatnam, in Andhra Pradesh, nests some skilled craftsmen furnishing alluring horn and bone crafts. Walking sticks are a speciality of this area. Horns serve as a versatile raw material owing to its easy and widespread availability. Horns are softened by heating and oiling and are shaped in different ways embellished with delicate and elaborate designs. Bison horns serve as an excellent raw material because of their large sizes.

Crafting of Horn and Bone Crafts
Horn and Bone Crafts of Southern India are manifestations of a series of complicated and elaborate steps. Initially the horns and bones are soaked in water and are heated to make them soft to carve them in desirable shapes. Engravings are done on them with intricate designs and are coloured with vivid hues. Polishing with charcoal, coconut oil and limestone is the final step in their processing.

Combination of horn and bone crafts with other types of artistry like metal works and stone works always intensify their beauty. Gems like topaz, quartz and feroza are often embedded on them to enhance their appeal. The designs in these crafts also include a wide variety of patterns of both modern and traditional styles and inspirations from ancient arts can also be traced on them. Horn and bone crafts are the testaments of pure artistic mastery which attract people from all over the world.