A diverse selection of 32 mementos from Keralam is being offered at the PM Mementos e-Auction 2026, bringing together the state’s art, craftsmanship, performing traditions and cultural heritage. The collection features distinctive pieces ranging from a traditional Nettoor Petti and a miniature Chundan Vallam to Kathakali and Theyyam artefacts, Keralam mural art and a handcrafted model of the historic Beypore Uru.

The Orange Nettoor Petti - Keralam Traditional Jewel Box with Mural Art and Brass Detailing describes the Nettoor Petti as having been historically used in aristocratic households to store ornaments and sacred objects, reflecting the traditional craftsmanship associated with this form.

Keralam’s maritime traditions find representation in a finely crafted Chundan Vallam, the traditional snake boat associated with the state’s backwaters and the boat races of the Onam festival. Another notable piece is a miniature Beypore Uru, a traditional wooden maritime dhow. The model was handcrafted by the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Calicut, under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship and replicates the wooden dhows traditionally built by master carpenters of Beypore.

 

The collection features several representations of Keralam’s performing arts. A Kathakali dancer display doll and a print of a Kathakali performer depict elements of the classical dance-drama, including its elaborate makeup, costumes, ornaments and headgear.

Another distinctive piece is the Bhairavan Theyyam Ritual Art Sculpture, representing Bhairavan Theyyam, described in the collection as an iconic manifestation of Lord Shiva from the ritualistic dance-art tradition of North Keralam. The sculpture features the characteristic headgear, facial makeup, breastplates and traditional attire associated with the form.

Kerala’s mural tradition is represented by a framed painting of Radha, Krishna and a Gopika, created by artists at the Institute of Mural Painting, Guruvayur Devaswom. The artwork depicts Lord Krishna playing the flute beneath a banyan tree, with Radha and a Gopika and is executed on a specially prepared cement sheet using the traditional five-colour Panchavarna formula.

 

 

The collection also includes works associated with Kerala’s spiritual and social heritage. These include a devotional portrait of Adi Shankaracharya, a carved wooden plaque featuring Sivagiri Mutt Commemorative Carved Wooden Temple, a framed print of Poykayil Sree Kumara Gurudevan and a framed photograph of Sree Vidyadhiraja Chattambi Swamikal.

A framed commemorative artwork marking 100 Years of Vaikom Satyagraha is also part of the collection. Other pieces include a traditional Nettipattam, a Kerala brass Vastu Vilakku, a carved wooden statue of Lord Guruvayurappan, a traditional Shankhu (conch) memento and many more.

The 8th edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction 2026, live until 2 October 2026, brings together mementos representing Kerala’s rich cultural heritage and traditions. For auction dates, participation details and the complete catalogue, visit the official PM Mementos e-Auction portal: pmmementos.gov.in

 

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M Annadurai

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