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Nattuvangam Thattu Manai Set (Used in Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi Dance)

$39
$52
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“Nattuvangam Thattu Manai Set: Rhythmic Tapestry of Bharatnatyam"

 

Unveil the world of Bharatnatyam and Kuchipudi dance with the Nattuvangam Thattu Manai Set. Handcrafted intricately, this set embodies the sacred artistry of dance. The rhythmic intricacies of Nattuvangam, conducted using cymbals, resonate in every corner. The Manai, a wooden plank, serves as the dancer's canvas, painted with footwork and expressions. An ode to tradition, each beat and step is a conversation with the divine. This set encapsulates the tradition's cultural vibrancy, as dancers etch their tales onto the Manai, echoing the sacred symphony of Indian classical dance.

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Specifications
ZAK68
Wood
Height: 2.8 inch
Width: 11 inch
Depth: 1.5 inch
Weight 500 gm
Delivery and Return Policies
Ships in 1-3 days
Returns and Exchanges accepted within 7 days
Free Delivery
Easy Returns
Easy Returns
Return within 7 days of
order delivery.See T&Cs
Fully Insured
Fully Insured
All orders are fully insured
to ensure peace of mind.
100% Handmade
100% Handmade
All products are
MADE IN INDIA.

The Rhythmic Heartbeat of Classical Indian Dance

The Nattuvangam Thattu Manai Set is an indispensable companion for any practitioner of Bharatanatyam and Kuchipudi dance forms. More than just an instrument, it embodies the very pulse and cadence of these ancient and revered arts. Crafted from beautiful, resonant wood, this set is designed to aid the dancer in producing the precise and intricate rhythmic patterns that form the backbone of these classical traditions. ––––––––––––––––––––

A Symphony of Sound and Movement

This set consists of a flat wooden board, the "Thattu," and two smooth, cylindrical wooden sticks, the "Manai." When struck together with skill and precision, they create a sharp, clear, and resonant sound. The dancer uses the Manai to tap out complex rhythmic sequences, known as "jathis" or "theermanams," against the Thattu. This rhythmic foundation provides the auditory anchor for the dancer's elaborate footwork and expressive movements, allowing them to convey narratives and emotions with profound depth. The natural variations in the wood grain not only speak to the unique character of each piece but also contribute to its acoustic quality, producing a rich and consistent tone essential for traditional performances. ––––––––––––––––––––

Echoes of Mythology and Tradition

The art of dance in India is deeply intertwined with its rich tapestry of mythology and spirituality. Bharatanatyam, originating from the temples of Tamil Nadu, is believed to have been created by Lord Brahma and performed by celestial dancers (apsaras) in the heavens. Kuchipudi, hailing from Andhra Pradesh, also draws heavily from mythological tales, often depicting stories from the Puranas and epics. The rhythmic language spoken by the Nattuvangam is an echo of the cosmic dance of Lord Shiva, Nataraja, the divine choreographer. The precision and control required to master this instrument mirror the discipline and devotion expected of dancers who strive to embody divine stories and ideals. The rhythmic patterns themselves can be seen as a form of meditation, a way to connect the earthly realm with the divine through sound and movement. Each strike of the Manai against the Thattu is a syllable in a sacred language, spoken by the dancer to invoke stories of gods, goddesses, and the human spirit. ––––––––––––––––––––

A Dancer's Essential Tool

This Nattuvangam Thattu Manai Set is not merely an accessory; it is an extension of the dancer's own being. Its simple, functional design belies its profound importance in the art form. The feel of the smooth wood in the hands, the responsiveness of the instrument to the dancer's touch, and the clarity of the sound produced all contribute to the overall experience of performance. Whether for rigorous practice or for captivating audiences on stage, this set provides the essential rhythmic framework that allows the dancer to truly shine, bringing to life the beauty, power, and spiritual resonance of classical Indian dance.

Sculpting Serenity: Unveiling the Art of Crafting Wood Statues

Wood has been a preferred material for sculptures and statues since ancient times. It is easy to work with than most metals and stones and therefore requires less effort to shape it into any desired shape or form. The texture of the wood gives an element of realism to the sculpture. The selection of an appropriate wood type is necessary for carving. Woods that are too resinous or coniferous are not considered good for carving as their fiber is very soft and thus lacks strength. On the other hand, wood such as Mahogany, Oakwood, Walnut wood, Weet cherry wood, etc., are preferred by sculptors because their fiber is harder. A wood sculptor uses various tools such as a pointed chisel in one hand and a mallet in another to bring the wood to the desired measurement and to make intricate details on it. A carving knife is used to cut and smooth the wood. Other tools such as the gouge, V-tool, and coping saw also serve as important tools in wood carving. Although the wood carving technique is not as complex and tough as stone carving or metal sculpting, nonetheless, a wood carver requires a high level of skills and expertise to create a stunning sculpture.

1. Selecting the right wood

The process of wood carving begins with selecting a chunk of wood that is required according to the type and shape of the statue to be created by the sculptor. Both hardwoods and softwoods are used for making artistic pieces, however, hardwoods are preferred more than softer woods because of their durability and longevity. But if heavy detailing is to be done on the statue, wood with fine grain would be needed as it would be difficult to work with hardwood.
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2. Shaping the wood

Once the wood type is selected, the wood carver begins the general shaping process using gouges of various sizes. A gouge is a tool having a curved cutting edge which is useful in removing large unwanted portions of wood easily without splitting the wood. The sculptor always carves the wood across the grain of the wood and not against it.
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3. Adding detailing

When a refined shape of the statue is obtained, it is time for making details on the statue using different tools. This is achieved by using tools such as a veiner to make and a V-tool to create decorative and sharp cuts.
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4. Surface finishing

Once finer details have been added, the sculptor is ready to smoothen the surface and give it a perfect finish. Tools such as rasps and rifflers are used to get a smooth surface. The finer polishing is obtained by rubbing the surface with sandpaper. If a textured surface is required, this step is skipped. Finally, to protect the statue from excessive dirt accumulation, the sculptor applies natural oils such as walnut or linseed oil all over it. This also brings a natural sheen to the statue.
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How to care for Wood Statues?


Wood is extensively used in sculpting especially in countries like China, Germany, and Japan. One feature that makes the wood extremely suitable for making statues and sculptures is that it is light and can take very fine detail. It is easier for artists to work with wood than with other materials such as metal or stone. Both hardwoods, as well as softwood, are used for making sculptures. Wood is mainly used for indoor sculptures because it is not as durable as stone. Changes in weather cause wooden sculptures to split or be attacked by insects or fungus. The principal woods for making sculptures and statues are cedar, pine, walnut, oak, and mahogany. The most common technique that sculptors use to make sculptures out of wood is carving with a chisel and a mallet. Since wooden statues are prone to damage, fire, and rot, they require proper care and maintenance.

 

  • Wood tends to expand and contract even after it has been processed, thus it is always recommended to keep the wooden sculptures in rooms with little humidity. Excess moisture can harm your masterpiece.

 

  • Periodical dusting of the finished piece is necessary to maintain its beauty as dust accumulation on the surface takes away the shine of the sculpture. You can use a clean and soft cloth or a hairbrush for this purpose.

 

  • You must avoid applying any chemical-based solutions that may damage the wood from the inside. Instead, you can apply lemon oil or coconut oil using a cotton rag to the sculpture to bring out its natural shine. Lemon oil also helps to clean any stains on the sculpture.

 

  • Applying a layer of beeswax protects the wood from sun damage and hides even the smallest imperfections on the wood.

 

It is extremely important to preserve and protect wooden sculptures with proper care. A little carelessness and negligence can lead to their decay, resulting in losing all their beauty and strength. Therefore, a regular clean-up of the sculptures is a must to prolong their age and to maintain their shine and luster. 

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