Terracotta sculptures

A group of traditional potters live in Aruvacode, Nilambur district in Kerala. They are a community called Adi-Andhras who moved to Kerala over a century ago to make earthen pots and terracotta lamps under the patronage of a local king. As times changed they diversified their range of articles. Lakshmi Kutty created her own path, making terracotta figures of women and children learning to write.

Initiation into literacy is a custom in Kerala. Family and friends celebrate the child’s first step towards learning. When a child is ready to be sent to school, a senior member of the family guides the child’s fingers to write his or her first words. Sand is spread on the ground and the word “Shree” is written on it as other family members look on. It is an auspicious word to embark on the journey towards literacy and education. It may be followed by a longer sentence invoking the blessings of Shri Ganesh, followed by a series of alphabets. A sacred beginning with invocations and blessings is an important event. Literacy levels in Kerala have always been high among men and women.

The artisan Lakshmi Kutty has moved to working in the hospitality division of a prestigious hotel.