Under the latest and popular online series of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya entitled ‘Exhibit of the Week’ the “China Varni” A big size pot made of China clay collected from 1991. The Community of Folk of Ernakulam, Kerala. It’s Measurement Height – 68 cms., Circumference- 217 cms. displayed in the audience as The Second Exhibit of the month of April, 2021 through official website, Facebook, Instagram and twitter page of the IGRMS.
In this regard Praveen Kumar Mishra, Director, IGRMS said that Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sangrahalaya (National Museum of Mankind), Initially this series will focus on the masterpieces from its collection which are considered as unique for their contribution to the cultural history of a particular ethnic group or area. China Varni literally means a Chinese pot. It is big size glazed earthenware made of china clay wrapped and woven with coconut rope around its outer surface.
It is dark brown in colour. These kind of huge ceramic vessels are mainly used to preserve food items particularly pickle for a longer period among the Nair community of Kerala. Variety of pickles has always been a part of Kerala cuisines. In the olden days these kinds of pots were important items of exchange where traders were given spices in exchange. The knitted/woven coconut fiber rope provides extra support to the pot and reduces the risk of damage. It also helps in transporting the pot conveniently from one place to another. The pot is covered with a round wooden lid.
