Nettipattom
Nettipattam is an ornament used in Kerala and Tamil Nadu to decorate temple Elephants(aka:Caparison). Elephants wear it on its forehead. Nettipattam is made with Gold and Copper. It is an integral part of Kerala culture. Nettipattam and Muthukkuda are a contribution of Buddhism.[1] There are different types of Nettipattam like Chooralpoli, Nagapadam, Vendod, etc. Although it is commonly known as Nettipattam, it is called Thalaikkettu in temples.[citation needed]
Behind the name[]
The word Nettipattom came from Pali language. In Pali, the word Pattam means leaf.[2]
History[]
In Buddhism, to give a special status, they used to keep a Banyan tree leaf on the forehead. This was known as giving "Pattam". The template elephants used for template festivals used to specially decorated with Banyan tree leaf. Later the leaf got replaced by an ornament and it got the name Nettipattom.
Production[]
Nettipattom is mostly made in Thrissur. Thrippunithura is another place where it is made. It is made by stitching metals balls in special shapes into cotton and jute sacks. Mostly it is made in Copper. Brass is also used although rarely. Be it copper or brass, it is later painted with gold for the yellow shine.[citation needed]
Nettipattom is a complex ornament. It has 11 objects in the shape of half moon, a pointed object called Koomban kinnam, 2 round ones, 37 half balls, 40 full balls, 1 kalanji and 5000 small bubbles inside it.
References[]
Gallery[]
Nettipattom made out of Gold
Nettipattom made in Silver
Mahout helping an elephant wear Nettipattom
- Elephants in Indian culture