Introduction

Boats are a significant part of Keralites' lives, as it is nestled along the Arabian Sea and shaped by rivers and backwaters. Kerala has a 2000-year-old history with boat-based trade, which helped connect the region with the Western world. Kerala has been using small boats for fishing and navigating the sea even before it started using majestic Snake boats for racing. Boats are part of the Keralites lifestyle, as they are used for trade as well as tourism in the backwaters. Boats are lifesavers for Keralites as they are prone to floods in the monsoon season, so it is very important for them.

Natriel offers different kinds of boats – House boats, Sailing boats, Snake boats and Vallum style riverine boats. They are in various sizes, shapes, and styles, which makes them an ideal home décor option. These boats are a symbol of survival in Kerala as they have allowed them to travel and explore the water world. So, these are timeless keepsakes for not just Keralites but for tourists who love the backwaters of Kerala. These boats are ideal décor pieces that are an artistic representation of Kerala backwater culture.

Cultural Inspiration behind Decorative Kerala Boats

Traditional Kerala boats, such as Ketuvallams (Houseboats) and Chundam Vallam (Snake boats), widely inspire decorative Kerala boats. The houseboats were once cargo ships, now used by tourists for sightseeing in Kerala's backwaters. While Snake boats are often used for boat racing in the spirit of Onam. Handcrafted from wood, these models are popular as home décor, cultural souvenirs, and gifts that show the rich heritage of Kerala culture.

For generations, Keralites have been in the business of building boats, and that skill has been passed down to generations. Kerala boats have become a symbol of unity, strength, and divine connection during Onam. Pallyodams are sacred vessels used for temple rituals, which showcase village pride and harmony through races like Vallam Kali, which merge religious faith with cultural spectacle. These miniature versions preserve tradition while enhancing modern interiors. It is also a cultural souvenir for people who have visited Kerala's backwaters, while for Keralites it is a token of their cultural heritage.

Why do Kerala boats make meaningful décor?

• Cultural Importance - Kerala has a strong water connection, which lends boats deep cultural significance. Earlier, used for transportation, fishing, and trading, but now they are used for exploring Kerala backwaters. Kerala boats are centrally aligned to festivals like Vallam Kali and Onam.

• Reason Miniature décor works – It helps in preserving cultural heritage in a friendly display format. It adds narrative value to interiors due to Kerala boats' relevance to homes. It is an ideal cultural collective rather than just a tourist décor for people.

• Décor appeal – It appeals as a home décor because it is inspired by Kerala’s rich cultural heritage. It will not just suit traditional homes but also modern homes. It elevates shelves, consoles, and workspaces, making it perfect for both homes as well as offices.

Craftsmanship and materials

• These products are handcrafted by skilled artisans who have made real boats in accurate proportions. These designs are scaled down thoughtfully to give them a perfect appearance of a decorative boat.

• These products are handcrafted from premium-quality woods, which makes them durable and long-lasting. Hand-applied finishes are used to enhance the texture and longevity of the product.

Each piece is unique, and it reflects artisan skill and expertise. They are designed as collectable, not mass-produced items.

Types of Decorative Kerala Boats with Natriel

1. Kerala House Boats (Ketuvallams) – Kettuvalams with thatched roofs covered with wooden hulls have been very common in Kerala backwaters for centuries. These miniature versions have been inspired by Traditional Kerala houseboats. It has the same warmth and character with natural and rustic finishes. They can be placed on a shelf or console décor in living rooms. If you have a small cultural corner in your home inspired by heritage, this Kerala houseboat would look great in it. It is not just a great home décor product but a cultural collectable which is gift-worthy.
2. Kerala Vallam Boats – Kerala Vallam boats are traditional wooden boats that are designed for inland waterways. They are mostly used for transportation, fishing, and trade. They are long and narrow wooden structures built for canals, rivers, and backwaters. The miniature versions are ideal decorative pieces that are integral to the social and economic life of Kerala. These boats are the main attraction during the Onam season in August and September. These pieces are handcrafted by skilled artisans of Kerala, who are inspired by home accents.
3. Kerala Snake boats (Chundam Vallam) – The snake boats are popularly used during the Onam festival. They are iconic to the boat racing tradition of Kerala, which is a symbol of unity and strength. They are long, sleek, and elongated structures with precision-crafted wooden detailing. They are best used as statement decorative pieces in homes or offices. These pieces are a perfect gift for heritage enthusiasts and culture lovers. People who follow boat racing or take part in it; would take this as a cultural souvenir for their homes.
4. Sailing boats – These sailing boats reflect the maritime heritage of Kerala, and they are similar to elegant décor pieces. They are clean, upright sail structures handcrafted by skilled artisans in wood. It fits modern, ethnic, and minimal style homes alike. It is ideal for bookshelves and office desks. In contemporary settings, you can place it in study rooms and living rooms.

Where can you display Decorative Kerala Boats in homes?

1. Home interiors – Kerala boats will be perfect to place in living rooms and entry consoles. You can add them to display shelves or cabinets, which will make it a cultural conversation starter at home.
2. Work and Hospitality – It is ideal to be placed in office desks and boardrooms by the sea or for adventure lovers. It can also elevate hotel lobbies, resorts, and homestays with its presence. 
3. Gifting – It is an ideal housewarming, anniversary, and wedding gift for adventure lovers. Also, you can use it for corporate or wedding gifting.

Why purchase Decorative Kerala Boats from Natriel?

Natriel is an authentic, handcrafted décor brand that crafts timeless and thoughtful pieces.

 1. Authentic handcrafted heritage – Every piece is handcrafted by skilled artisans onboarded by Natriel using time-honoured techniques.

2. Thoughtfully curated design – Each design blends culture with modern aesthetics to ensure every product fits beautifully into every kind of home.

3. Ethical sourcing – Every material is ethically sourced, and every artisan gets fair compensation for their products. Natriel aims to empower the artisan community and preserve the cultural heritage of India. 

4. Meaningful décor and Gifting – Natriel products are not just plain décor, but they are stories which make them perfect for thoughtful gifting and timeless home accents.

Explore our Boats collection here.