TRADITIONAL METHODS OF ORNAMENT MAKING IN KERALA

There is a lack of structured documentation, preservation, and integration of Kerala's traditional ornament-making methods into modern design, policy, and sustainability frameworks. In this paper, we proposed the Traditional Methods of Ornament Making in Kerala (TMOMK) framework that provides a structured lens to explore, preserve, and reinterpret the rich artisanal heritage of Kerala’s ornamentation practices. Rooted in centuries-old craftsmanship, this framework encapsulates the indigenous techniques, tools, cultural symbolism, and community-based knowledge systems that define Kerala's traditional ornament-making processes. TMOMK emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating anthropology, material science, and design studies to document and analyze handcrafted jewelry—such as those made from gold, silver, and natural elements like palm leaves, shells, and beads. The framework also highlights the intergenerational transmission of skills, the role of artisans in regional identity, and the influence of religious and ritualistic practices. Through this model, TMOMK seeks to safeguard intangible cultural heritage while offering pathways for sustainable revival, educational dissemination, and contemporary adaptation of these timeless techniques. The framework supports researchers, policymakers, and designers in understanding and innovating within Kerala’s rich ornament-making traditions.