Nettoor Petti, Chundan Vallam, Beypore Uru: 32 Kerala mementos up for auction

New Delhi: A collection of 32 mementos representing Kerala’s art, craftsmanship and cultural traditions is being featured in the PM Mementos e-Auction 2026, giving buyers an opportunity to own pieces linked to the state’s rich heritage.

The collection includes traditional artefacts and artworks ranging from a Nettoor Petti and a miniature Chundan Vallam to Kathakali and Theyyam pieces, Kerala mural art and a handcrafted model of the historic Beypore Uru.

The eighth edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction will remain open until October 2, 2026.

From Nettoor Petti to Beypore Uru

Among the featured items is an Orange Nettoor Petti, a traditional jewellery box decorated with mural art and brass detailing. The storage chest is associated with the traditional craftsmanship of Kerala and was historically used in aristocratic households to keep ornaments and sacred objects.

Kerala’s maritime heritage is represented by a finely crafted Chundan Vallam, the traditional snake boat associated with the state’s backwaters and Onam boat races.

Another notable item is a miniature Beypore Uru, the traditional wooden dhow associated with Kerala’s maritime heritage. The model was handcrafted by the National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Calicut, under the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, and recreates the traditional wooden vessels built by master carpenters in Beypore.
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Kathakali and Theyyam among featured artefacts

The collection also highlights Kerala’s performing arts.

A Kathakali dancer display doll and a print depicting a Kathakali performer showcase the elaborate makeup, costumes, ornaments and headgear associated with the classical dance-drama.

A Bhairavan Theyyam Ritual Art Sculpture is another prominent item. The sculpture represents Bhairavan Theyyam, a ritual dance-art tradition of North Kerala, and features its characteristic headgear, facial makeup, breastplates and traditional attire.

Kerala mural art and spiritual heritage

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 Krishna playing the flute beneath a banyan tree alongside Radha and a Gopika. It is executed on a specially prepared cement sheet using the traditional five-colour Panchavarna technique.

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

A framed commemorative artwork marking 100 years of the Vaikom Satyagraha is among the other Kerala-related mementos.

The collection also features a traditional Nettipattam, a Kerala brass Vastu Vilakku, a carved wooden statue of Lord Guruvayurappan and a traditional Shankhu (conch) memento.

The Kerala collection is part of the eighth edition of the PM Mementos e-Auction 2026, which brings together mementos reflecting the art, traditions and cultural heritage of different parts of the country.

The auction will continue until October 2. Details about participation, auction dates and the complete catalogue are available on the official PM Mementos e-Auction portal, pmmementos.gov.in.