The Shutterbug Chronicles

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

Each theyyam has a distinctive costume. This includes elaborate jewellery, body paints, make-up and most importantly gigantic headdresses or <i>mudi</i>. Extreme attention and care are given to to this aspect of the tradition. As time progresses, one can observe a change in the costume and headdress of the theyyam signifying a change in the ritual’s phase.

INDIA | Monday, 7 November 2011 | Views [493]

Each theyyam has a distinctive costume. This includes elaborate jewellery, body paints, make-up and most importantly gigantic headdresses or mudi. Extreme attention and care are given to to this aspect of the tradition. As time progresses, one can observe a change in the costume and headdress of the theyyam signifying a change in the ritual’s phase.

Tags: theyyam, ritual, india, costume, kerala

<i>Theyyam</i> is a tradition that is followed in the <i>Kolathunādu</i> region of Kerala, a southern state in India. It is unique as it brings in different castes together in a major form of worship at the <i>Kavu</i>, the shrine in a village and has traits that are known to date back to the neolithic and chalcolithic eras. The name derives from the Malayalam word <i>Deivam</i> meaning God. In the art forms <i>kathakali</i> and <i>Kūṭiyāṭṭaṃ</i>, actors play the part of god. But in theyyam, the performers actually become God, acquiring magical powers for the duration of the ceremony.
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Seen above is the theyyam, <i>Gulikan</i>. The atmosphere is calm but the anticipation and waiting for what He would do next always raises a sense of excitement and fear.

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Seen above is the <i>kavu</i>, the village shrine where the ritual is performed. The theyyam chants and performs rituals to the deity. Sacrifices are also made. Seen alongside are the temple musicians.

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The Shutterbug Chronicles

My Photo scholarship 2011 entry

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