Payyannur, Kerala

30 April 2015 - Day 2

We headed out with our cameras and found that Payyannur followed a 'Bandh' for some reason on that day. The result of which we had to walk till the artisan's place - visited a temple on our way - 'Shree Swamy kshetra' as called by the localite, otherwise Sri Subramanya Temple. It was very beautiful, we stood outside the Garbhagriha and the drum beats that played inside was elevating. One should definitely spare time to listen to the sound of Kerala drums. 

The Shree Kshetra Swamy Temple

Sri Subramanya Temple painting on postcard by Sand (me)

That ten minute visit of the temple was so energizing. We walked for another twenty to thirty minutes, getting some guidance we reached the destination. There was a man working with cement - building some kind of structure with help of two other people. Lija and us, we greeted them, and she probably spoke a little more about why we were there, in Malayalam. We were greeted well with some welcome drink (I'm guessing it must be orange tang☺️) and I began taping that cement structure as Vinodh explained about it. 

Mr. Vinodh Padoli is younger son of Sri. Padoli Govindan Anthithiriyan and has Masters Degree in Information Technology from University of Kannur. He decided to quit his IT job and contribute to the traditional craft work that the family was into. They were traditional craft makers in Payyannur who made idols of dieties in Bell Metal, Gold and silver, and everyone in the family contributed in making these brass castings. 

Sri. Padoli Govindan Anthithiriyan along with his wife and son at work. 

Mrs. Anthithiriyan appeared to be a strict lady who hardly smiled until that moment where we saw her shying away when we tried to tape her work. She took off, came in later to treat us with lunch. The house was beautiful with red tiled roofing with typical balcony with wooden cover. We sat on the dining table and Mrs Anthithiriyan alone served us with vegetable rice, curries and papad.  

Delicious appetite! Thank you Mrs. Anthithiriyan.

One thing I noticed about people here in Payyannur was they knew how to greet anyone with great smile and offer a glass of water. The water would slightly be reddish pink in color as it would be boiled with some ayurvedic roots. The lunch was delicious and Mr. Vinodh joked if we wished to have a nap. 

Water boiled with some ayurvedic roots. 

The piece of Brass casting that I'm holding is called as Vyali.

Mr. Vinod was working on the details using wax.

We documented the process of casting, detailed work with wax, clay coating and the furnace set-up. We were so engrossed in work and we hardly noticed the time. Luckily we had Mr. Anthithiriyan speak about bell metal craft by 5 in the evening which got us coverage for interview session. We had Mrs. Anthithiriyan talk as well as she was such an inspiring woman who balanced house task and Bell Metal works. We din't find her resting for a minute even and with such support from loved one will definitely bring out quality work that reaches another level.
Further information on Brass casting: http://www.dsource.in/resource/brass-casting-kerala

It was lovely to see such dedicated family who took pride in making bell metal crafts. It was 6 pm and Mr. Anthithiriyan had to leave to the temple (where he was the main Priest) and the rest continued with work. 

We quickly took pictures with him and he blessed us with good wishes for life. The process of buffing, the ones that we thought we had skipped were recorded before calling it a wrap. The day seemed completely occupied with work and amidst that I had managed to click some pictures of flowers grown on the portico and other things that caught my eye. 

Removing the outer cover of heated clay.

Some flowering plants.

Birds chirping and cheering.

Another kind of white flower. 

Brass Metal Door lock design 

Sri. Padoli Govindan Anthithiriyan

Around 7 pm we left their place. The moon walked along as we wondered why there were no street lights while heading back to the hotel. It was dinner-sleep routine once we reached.