Village Exhibition at Manav Sangrahalaya
As the name suggests, villages from Kerala, Tamilnadu, Orissa, Andhra Pradesh, etc. represents the coastal villages. One of the major attractions of this exhibit is the shrine of Ayyanar, a popular village guardian deity from Tamilnadu, with terracotta figures of horses and elephants (transport for the Ayyanar) in various sizes. Other eco- friendly structure are the wooden houses of Aarapura and Naalkettu showing antique, carved doors and pillars and beautiful architecture of the house that existed in the ancient days of Kerela. The unique feature of Nalukettu (house build without the use of an iron-nail) has been equally maintained. All the objects related to these villages inside and outside the houses have been recreated and kept in their original style. Not just houses, even the temples, one being close to the exhibit of fisherman village of Arattupuza had been recreated, along with a space for religious dance and lamps for Gods. Other structures include the famous snake boat (Sarp Nauka) a wooden racing boat and chunden vallam. All these structures and dwellings rejuvenate the lifestyle and cultural identities of Indian Coastal communities.
