Bell metal craftsmen struggling for survival

Lack of demand for artefacts leaves families in dire straits

It was a huge relief for P. Valsan, who is busy giving finishing touches to Dasavatharam, his new bell metal work. In so many months, it is the only order he has received from a client from Kochi. But not many craftsman like him, who are into making artefacts from bell metal, in Kunhimanagalam village in Kannur district, are fortunate enough to find work during the COVID pandemic.

With temples and shops being closed and people reeling under financial difficulties, the artisans in the village, which has a 700-year-old history of making objects such as lamps, vessels, ornaments, and weapons for deities using bell metal, are compelled to think of leaving their work and turning to other jobs for survival.

Mr. Valsan said there were around 100 craftsman families belonging to the Moosari community, who were into this craft. However, now there were only a handful of artisans, around 30, despite the work getting great recognition around the world, he said. With the outbreak of COVID-19, many had fallen into debt traps and feel helpless without work, he said.