KIRTADS Ethnological Museum
| Place | Kozhikode |
|---|---|
| State | Kerala |
| Virtual Museum | No |
| Year of Establishment | 1973 |
| Museum Type | Ethnological and Anthropological (Government Research Institute) |
| National Importance Museum | Yes |
| Address | Golf Link Road Chevayur, Vrindavan Colony, Kozhikode, Kerala 673017 |
| Visiting Time | 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Closed on Sundays and Public Holidays) |
| Entry Fee | Free Entry |
Museum Introduction
Established in 1973 as an auxiliary wing of KIRTADS (Kerala Institute for Research Training and Development Studies of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes), this museum is located in the Chevayur area of Kozhikode. It is the premier institution in Kerala dedicated to the systematic study and preservation of the material culture of the state’s indigenous tribal communities. The museum functions as a bridge between researchers and the public, showcasing the evolution and diversity of Kerala's 36 tribal groups.
General Collections
The museum houses a vast collection of approximately 2,500 items spread across three floors. The collection includes traditional costumes, jewelry, household utensils, agricultural tools, and various traps and nets used for fishing and hunting. It also features a comprehensive reference library with over 10,000 volumes specializing in anthropology and sociology.
Unique Historical Collections
Highlights include a significant collection of tribal musical instruments and rare ceremonial paraphernalia used in secret rituals. The museum campus also features life-size architectural models of traditional houses belonging to specific tribes like the Cholanaickan (cave-dwellers), Kadar, Paniyan, and Muthuvan, providing a tangible look at indigenous engineering.
Additional Information
| Video URL | https://youtu.be/swAFwI0UXSE?si=S1IlaaQvN3yW588X |
|---|---|
| Video Courtesy | KeralaCulture YT Channel |
| Archaeological Survey of India | No |
| Notes | The museum is part of a larger 3-acre research campus that includes the Adikalakendram (Documentation Centre for Tribal Arts), an open stage for tribal performances, and a training center. The main building itself is designed in the traditional Kerala Nalukettu style. |
| Artifacts | Bows and poisoned arrows; Fire-making sticks (friction tools); Tribal headgears and ornaments made of beads and bone; Thudi and Chenda (tribal drums); Traditional bamboo storage baskets; Wood-carved deities and totems. |
| Highly Descriptive | Yes |
| Contact Details |
+91 495 235 7329 +91 495 235 6805 |
| Email ID |
kirtads@kerala.gov.in kirtads@gmail.com |
Artifact Gallery
