Kathakali has become synonymous with Kerala and embodies the very soul of God’s Own Country. Kathakali, the 300-year-old classical dance drama, involves mime, mudras and musical accompaniments and is based on mythology. The costumes are distinct from that of other art forms in their billowing umbrella skirts, full sleeve blouses, heavy ornaments and large headgears. A Kathakali mask or model is today considered the perfect representative of Kerala. Little models of the art form or its mask cast in plaster of Paris or carved out of wood are popular souvenirs. The Kathakali puppet is a rich representation of the Kathakalivesham (costume) and varies in size from small curios to huge statues.