Nettur Petti: The Craft That Once Lived in Every Noble Kerala Home | Documentary | afterImages

For generations, the Nettur Petti was more than just a wooden box. Found in aristocratic households, temples, and traditional Kerala homes, it was a place where jewellery, valuables, documents, and family heirlooms were carefully stored and passed down through generations. In this episode of Afterimages, we meet one of the craftsmen keeping this centuries-old tradition alive. From its origins in Kerala to the intricate process of making each box by hand, he takes us through every step involved in creating a Nettur Petti—from selecting the wood and shaping the distinctive temple-inspired lid to fitting the brass work that gives the box its timeless character. Along the way, he shares stories from a lifetime in the craft: the different varieties of Nettur Pettis and their uses, how these handcrafted boxes once occupied a special place in Kerala society, and how one of his creations eventually found its way to the Vatican. But this is also a story about change. As lifestyles evolve and traditional crafts struggle to find new practitioners, the future of Nettur Petti making remains uncertain. Fewer young people are entering the profession, and knowledge that has been passed down through generations now risks disappearing. Through the eyes of Suresh, a master craftsman, this film explores not only the making of an object, but also the question of what happens when a living tradition begins to fade. The artisan featured in this film make custom Nettur Pettis in a variety of sizes and designs. For enquiries and custom orders, contact Suresh - 9447211331. They are located at Trivandrum near Chakkai ITI About the Channel & Production Afterimages is a channel dedicated to finding real, unhurried stories. We travel across India to document people, local crafts, traditions, and processes, seeking fragments of life that reveal something deeper about the human experience. Production Team: Shot & Thumbnail Photo By: Vishnu P Edited by: Bibin Joseph Sound Recording: Amega Umi Sound Mixing: Sandeep Kurissery Subtitles: Haripriya KM Thumbnail Design: Sujith Abraham Producer & Script Direction: Abhina S Timestamps 00:38 — Introduction 01:36 — Origin of Nettur petti 03:57 — The process of making a Nettur petti 06:38 — Different kinds of Petti & their use cases 08:38 — The most important work they undertook 09:22 — How he got into the craft & the current state 11:23 — Decline of the craft & conclusion Connect With Us 🔔 Share this film with someone who loves discovering the people behind traditional crafts. 👍 Like the video if you want to see more stories about disappearing skills and forgotten traditions. 💬 Join the conversation: Should crafts like Nettur Petti making be taught to the next generation? #documentary #afterimages #culture #kerala #trivandrum #craft #box #woodworking #thiruvananthapuram #artisan #craftsmanship #wood #boxmaking