Model Vessel - Uru

The uru or dhow was the traditional Arabian trading vessel. Once the Arab traders discovered wealthy Kerala, her solid timber, skilled craftsmen and her native technology centuries ago, they shifted their dhow construction to Malabar (northern Kerala).

Beypore in Kozhikode district, the most important harbour in the region, thus became the centre for ship building. The industry thrived here until recently when iron and steel took over as the best material for construction.

Urus were gigantic vessels, created meticulously by nailing together well planed planks of timber. It took a team of fifty men at least four years to complete a vessel.

Today, not many vessels are launched from Beypore and the artisans have taken to crafting little wooden models of their gigantic masterpieces. These four inch to eight foot 'Model Vessels' crafted out of teak wood would cost you anything from Rs.180/- to Rs. 25,000/-.

Fancy artefacts like the models enclosed in bottles are more popular and priced between Rs. 125/- and Rs. 500/-.

You can even get them made-to-order at Kairali, Alakapuri Buildings, Jail Road, Kozhikode Tel:91-495-723723 and at Surabhi, Aradhana Tourist Home Buildings, Kallai Road, Kozhikode Tel: 91-495-301284 or pick one up at a bargain from the local outlets in Beypore.