Vengala Kooha refers to a rounded metal vessel that was used to carry water and beverages like coffee. Vengala in the vernacular is a reference to the alloy used. The alloy consists of five metals that include copper, tin, lead, silver and zinc. The artisanal community known as Kannans cast this object under close supervision of the present owner's father. Thus, the artefact has a well-crafted quality. The object was first made in wax, covered in clay and then molten metal was poured into the mould. After a period of two or three days, the mould was broken and the metal surgace was burnished.The object is a fine example of the tradition of metal work in South India. The dietary restrictions of orthodox brahmins have resulted in them making distinctions with materials. Thus, certain alloys were used for its ability to maintain ritual purity. While travelling long distances, brahmins would carry water and other edibles in these containers in order to maintain a 'pure' diet, which is essence meant eating food cooked at home. The alloy as a material is thus invested with purity through the social practice of the brahmin community.
