Honour for two veteran craftsmen of a vanishing trade in Keralam’s Malappuram
A cultural organization in Malappuram, Kerala, honored two veteran timber sawyers to preserve the history of a traditional, labor-intensive craft. The article recounts the men's lifelong careers and the physical demands of manual timber processing before the advent of modern machinery.
Why it matters
It documents the preservation of intangible cultural heritage and the evolution of labor practices in rural India.
Before machines took over timber sawing, two men and a long saw could turn a giant tree into planks for houses and granaries. The work demanded strength, skill and perfect coordination.
Once a familiar sight in villages across Keralam, this traditional craft is fading from memory. Re-Echo, a cultural organisation based at Tirunavaya in Malappuram, honoured two veteran sawyers to recognise their contribution and preserve the memory of a vanishing trade.
Both men, known as Kunhapputty, began working as timber sawyers at the age of 14. One is Moideenkutty from Karathur, and the other Mohammedkutty from Thekkan Kuttoor. They began their careers earning just four annas a day, equivalent to 25 paise.
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