Ethnological Museum
The Ethnological Museum is one of the most informative and interesting storehouse for people who want to know about the Tribes of Kerala. The Museum is a part of the Kerala Institute for Research, Training and Development Studies of Scheduled Castes and Tribes (KIRTADS), and houses a large collection of artefacts, costumes, jewellery, household utensils, nets and traps, wood carvings, agricultural tools, musical instruments, and ceremonial paraphernalia of all the Tribal communities in Kerala. There are also displays of the various cultural features and backgrounds of each and every Tribe living in Kerala. Besides, there are the costumes of various performing arts and handicrafts made by the members of Schedules communities. Research and development work done by the government for the development of indigenous groups is also well documented.
This Ethnological Museum was established in 1973. Its initial objective was to collect a wide range of items of material culture from the Tribes in order to assist researchers and students in the study of tribal culture. Later, access was granted to the interested public.
The new Museum is spacious with exotic artefacts on display. The handicrafts made by the Scheduled community members are quite captivating. The Museum also displays renowned anthropological collections from neighbouring States. To sum up, this one-of-a-kind museum, situated within the premises of KIRTADS, brings to light the hidden world of tribal history and the present-day tribal culture. The Ethnological Museum is dedicated to preserving and interpreting the rich and unique culture of the indigenous people. The Museum also offers information about related publications and tribal music. The public is invited to develop their appreciation for these by visiting the Museum at its new location.
Now the museum is a member in the Natioanal Consortium of Tribals.
Opened on all Government working days (Except on 2nd Saturdays) Time : 10.15 am to 5.15 pm