Did you know Theyyattam is a ritual art form where various artistic expressions, including dance, music, storytelling, illustration’ and sculpting come together??
I thought I should write about this amazing ritual folk art form for our Purathanam followers who might not be familiar with this beautiful ritual dance form practiced in northern Kerala and southern Karnataka, India.
Theyyam a. k. a. Theyyattam is a ritual dance form. The dance performed by the artist is called "Theyyattam." The word "Theyyam" originates from the word "Deivam," meaning “God”. It is believed that Theyyam may have its origins in ancestor worship. This ancient art form has rich customs, rituals, and traditions that have been followed for thousands of years. Local communities believe after the rituals, the god or goddess manifests itself in the body of the performer, by elevating him to divine status. Hence they believe Theyyam is a direct connection to the divine.
The Theyyam season;
Theyyam season starts from the tenth day of the Malayalam month of ‘Thulaam’ (usually falls during October, and known as paththaam-udayam) and lasts up to seven months till the middle of Edavam month (typically late May and June).
Places where ‘Theyyams’ are predominantly performed;
In Kerala, Theyyam holds a prominent place in the North Malabar region, comprising Kasargod, Kannur Districts, Mananthavady Taluk of Wayanad, and Vadakara and Koyilandy Taluks of Kozhikode. A similar practice called Bhuta Kola is observed in neighboring Karnataka, specifically in the Mangalore region.
The people of the region consider Theyyam itself as a channel to a god, and thus, they seek blessings from Theyyam. This ritual art is mainly performed in the Kaavus (Sacred Groves), temples, or ancestral houses of certain communities across the Malabar coast in Kerala.
The Theyyam costume:
The one prominent color commonly found in all Theyyam costumes is "RED,". The most attractive aspect of the Theyyam costume is that all it’s ornaments and attires are handmade using materials sourced from nature, including the colours used for face and body painting. Each category of Theyyam costume varies based on each character's portrayal.
Items commonly found in most Theyyam costumes include headgears (Mudi), face masks, wooden breastplates ‘Marmula’/ breasts made of dry coconut shells, amulets, bangles, anklets, and other ornaments. Below the waist, they wear handmade skirts. A Theyyam artisan says it would take months to construct certain costumes. The crown alone requires significant manpower and hours of work.
In ancient times the materials artisans used to make the Theyyam costumes includes wood (Murikku), cloth, bamboo shoots (Mula), areca leaves, coconut fronds, peacock feather, plantain stem (vazha Mula), flowers, arakku, tin, wax, thread, etc.,
Head Gear/ Crown - “Mudi”;
The headgear, known as 'Mudi,' varies for each Theyyam. Since the Malayalam language is a blend of Tamil and Sanskrit, the word "Mudi" translates to "crown" in Tamil. Therefore, the "Mudi" in Theyyam resembles the "crown" (Manimudi-மணிமுடி (മണിമുടി)) of the incarnating deity. Once the headgear "Mudi" is placed, the mortal being is believed to transform into the divine self. Mudis' are crafted in various heights and shapes from bamboo slices and wooden planks covered with flowers, peacock feathers, areca nut palm, and coconut leaves (Kuruthola dress- കുരുത്തോല/குருத்தோலை).
The night Theyyam performance known as ‘Vellattam’ has a small Mudi and the day Theyyam has a large Mudi. It is commonly cobstructed in parts and then assembled right before the performance. The costumes and ornaments are hand made using tools like chisels, knives, and files.
Waist Dress of Theyyam (Arayuda):
Theyyam skirts or waist dresses are made out of coconut fronds, areca leaves and bamboo slices. The skirt of ‘Kathivanur Veeran Theyyam’ is made out of bamboo pieces and wrapped in red cloth. The skirts of Theechamundi Theyyam, Pottan Theyyam and Uchitta Theyyam are made out of coconut fronds. During the play they leap in to the wearing this coconut leaves skirts.
Theyyam Ornaments;
The ornaments for Theyyam have to be lightweight, so the best woods for the purpose are "Murikku" (Erythrina variegata), Iruli (Persea macrantha), Coconut tree, or areca nut palm wood. Combined with these lightweight woods, artisans use tin, wax, thread, colors, and beads to create lightweight ornaments.
The ornaments worn by the performers vary from character to character. For Bhagavathy Theyyam, a long silver teeth ornament called 'ekir' is worn. Both male and female performers wear bangles known as 'Katakam' and 'Chutakam,' amulets and small ankle bracelets. Certain Theyyams representing Bhagavathies adorn a silver crown, featuring small serpent heads topped with red flowers and some also wear a large golden collar intricately carved.
Certain Theyyams representing Bhagavathies adorn a silver crown, featuring small serpent heads (Reference shown in the above picture) topped with red flowers and some also wear a large golden collar intricately carved. Female deities wear various ornaments and a wooden breastplate. In some Theyyams, such as Pottan Theyyam, masks used crafted from leaf sheaths of the areca nut tree and wooden planks.
Face and Body painting of Theyyam;
Theyyam face painting is a beautiful art form in Kerala. let's delve a bit into history to understand face painting better. It is said that even before humans learned to paint on cave walls, they began painting their own bodies and faces. Tribes in America, Africa, China, and many other countries, including India, have been practicing body and face painting since ancient times. For example, South-India boasts a variety of dance forms where performers apply face and body painting depending on the character they portray.
Here is a list of other dance forms that use body painting:
1. Kathakali - Kerala, South India
2. Chakyar Koothu - Kerala, South India
2. Theyyam - Kerala, South India
3. Yakshagana - Karnataka , South India
4. Therukoothu - Tamil Nadu , South India
5. Hullivesha/Puliaatam - coastal Karnataka and Tamil Nadu , Southern India
In Theyyam the mask the performers wear is called 'theyya vesham' or 'theyya kolam’. Theyyam face painting pattern varies based on each character's portrayal. Creating the facial pattern for Theyyam requires high skill, precision, and creativity.
It's fascinating to see that all the colors for Theyyam face painting are obtained from natural resources. For instance, Cinnabar or red natural stone called 'chayilyam' is used for red color, turmeric and arsenic, a natural stone mineral called 'Manayola', for yellow color, limestone and rice flour for white color, leaves of Indigofera tinctoria (Neelamari) for blue color, and ash from burning sesame oil for black color. These are mixed in water and coconut oil to make a paste, and the brush or tool used for application is a piece of the midrib of a coconut leaf. And the colors used for the face painting are mostly primary and secondary colors. Some performers remove their face painting using banana for cooling the skin if they haentered the fire (Meleri). The art is heavily inspired by the local culture of each region, giving body painting a distinct flavor.
Type of Theyyams’:
In ancient times there were more than 400 varieties of Theyya kolams performed. It is sad that only about 150 kolams are in practice now a days. The high level worships of Theyyams are for trees, mountains, mother goddess (devata) and the mid levels are for the soldiers and animals. To play certain characters the performers sometimes have to fast for 3 days to one month having only vegetarian food until the day of their performance.
Following are the list of Theyyams performed as Hindu Gods (Moortis), Goddesses (Devis’) and Angels (devatas). For example, War Angels (Yudh devatas’), Angels for both sickness and cure (Roga Devatas’), God of Mantra (Mantra Moortis’), Forest God (Vana Moortis’), Goddesses of Hunting (Naayaattu devatas’) many more.
- Vishnu Moorti Theyyam
- Gulikan Theyyam
- Muthappam theyyam
- Karim chamundi Theyyam
- Achan Theyyam
- Puliyoor Kaali Theyyam
- Padamadakki Bagavathi Theyyam
- Aadiramayana theyyam
- Agni Bhairavan Theyyam
- Bagavathi Theyyam
- ‘Moochilottu bagavathi Theyyam’ -The most popular form of Theyyams among the mother goddess (Kali)
- Manakkott Amma Theyyam
- Padikutti Amma Theyyam
- Muthappan Anthithira Theyyam
- Karim Kuttichathan Theyyam
- Poo Kuttichathan Theyyam
- Thee Kuttichathan Theyyam
- Thee Chamundi or Ottakolam Theyyam
- Pottan Theyyam
- Uchitta Bagavathi Theyyam
- Kathivannoor veeran Theyyam - (Mandhappan Chekavar) - women of North Malabar region worship Kathivanoor Veeran to get a healthy husbands.
- Pulikandan Theyyam
- Marapuli Theyyam
- Kandapuli Theyyam
- Pulimaruthan Theyyam
- Padarkulangara Bhagavathy Theyyam
- Karinthiri Nair Theyyam
- Kuttikol Thamburatti Theyyam
- Elayor Theyyam
- Muthur Theyyam
- Vannathan Theyyam
- Chuzhali Bhagavathy Theyyam
- Kannangat Bhagavathy Theyyam
- Kodoth Chamundi Theyyam
- Moovalamkuzhi Chamundi Theyyam
- Palot Daivam Theyyam
- Dandinganath Bhagavathy Theyyam
- Padarkulangara Bhagavathy Theyyam
- Muthala Theyyam
- Elleduth Bhagavathy
- Adukunnath Bhagavathy Theyyam
- Narambil Bhagavathy Theyyam
- Chembilot Bhagavathy Theyyam
- Pulichon Theyyam
- Vellarangara Bhagavathy Theyyam
- Mayyakkal Bhagavathy Theyyam
- Koroth Naga Bhagavathy Theyyam
- Padinhare Chamundi Theyyam
- Vettakorumakan Theyyam
- Mavila Chamundi Theyyam
- Urpazhassi Theyyam
- Kudiveeran Theyyam
- Veerabadran Theyyam
- Vishakandan Theyyam
- Kandanar Kelan Theyyam
- Vayanat Kulavan Theyyam
- Kunhiraman Gurukkal Theyyam
- Munnayareeshwaran Theyyam
- Manavalan Theyyam
- Manavatti Theyyam
- Manjalamma Theyyam
- Thoovakkari Muthappan Theyyam
- Karimanal Chamundi Theyyam
- Peruvamba Chamundi Theyyam
- Eroth Chamundi Theyyam
- Kizhakkeveettil Chamundi Theyyam
- Kaitha Chamundi Theyyam
- Madayil Chamundi Theyyam
- Pethalan Theyyam
- Pullon Theyyam
- Kandanar Kelan Theyyam
- Chooliyar Bhagavathy Theyyam
- Kodoth Chamundi Theyyam
- Olassa Poomala Bagavathi Theyyam
- Astamachal Bagavathy Theyyam
- Nagacherry Bhagavathy Theyyam
- Meethale Theyyam Theyyam
- Oyola Bagavathi Theyyam
- Padaveeran Theyyam
- Pallivettakkorumakan Theyyam
- Devakoothu Theyyam and many many more..
Kandakarnan Theyyam is a must watch. It is very fascinating to watch the performance of Kandakarnan Theyyam with 16 glowing fire torches around the hip and the head gear (crown) for about 20 feet height.
The Kandakarnan Theyyam is played on the last day. While theyyam is a ritual performed only by men, there’s one Theyyam that has been performed exclusively by women. It is called ‘Devakoothu Theyyam’(Ref. given in the above picture).
And Following are the Theyyam’s popular among the Muslim population (Maaplamar) in the malabar region;
‘Maappila Theyyam’ is nothing but the Theyyams’ performed by Muslim community in the malabar region. It is done with the cooperation of Hindus and Muslims. This art form represents the syncretism of Mappila Muslims and harmony between Muslims and Hindus that existed in the region since olden times. The dialogues of Mappila theyyams have mentions about Islamic migration to kerala in the 7th century and communal harmony.
- Ummachi Theyyam
- Naithiyar Theyyam
- Mukri Theyyam
- Aali Theyyam
- Aandi Theyyam
- Poker Theyyam
- Bappiriyan Theyyam
- Kunhali Theyyam
- Mammu Theyyam
- Mammad etc.
Ummachi Theyyam and Naithiyar Theyyam are the two Theyyams performed by women amongst the Mappila Theyyams.
This millennium old Theyyam cultural tradition is deeply rooted in the northern part of Kerala’s Malabar. We just got introduced to the art. To know to it’s core we will have to dive more deep in to its bottom. This study provides an insight into the evolution of man into God. Theyyam is man playing God!
This is why I love my job! every time I get a new product in my hand. It would open a window to such fascinating knowledge. Thanks to the Brass Vintage Breast Plate! Each artefacts of Purathanam becomes my teacher.
Please checkout the following link to see our Theyyam breast plates;
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Photo source: https://sreejithpnair.wordpress.com, https://dsource.in and Pinterest
Source : Wikipedia, YouTube, public internet domains and research papers.