The fifth “exhibit of the month” of Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Manav Sanghralaya (IGRMS) has been unleashed. This time it is an artwork of Theyyam dance from Kerala — Kuttrirastha Theyyam. Art object is often represented as an expression of the aesthetic values, social life and cultural ecology of a community.
The object may be sometimes an individual affiliation or sometimes be a grand exposition of religious acts. The presented exhibit is a wooden sculpture of an artist, Sri KK Damodaran Achari, delivering his brilliant craftsmanship to provide grandeur look Theyyam dance.
It is intricately chiselled to carve every detail of heavily dressed costumes and body decoration. An important attraction of the sculpture is the gait and facial expression articulated to exhibit the impression of divinity. KK Damodaran Achari is a wood carver by profession. He prepared the sculpture during a artist’s camp organised by IGRMS in 1999 at Kerala.
Genesis of Theyyam- According to a popular folk belief Theyyam originated from “Kaliyattam” and “Thira”, a ritual dance once practiced by folk and tribal communities of North Kerala. It gradually evolved into a classical form with certain transformations of art to propagate mental, physical and spiritual elements of relationship with Man and Nature. The cult of Thiras in north Malabar region of Kerala was given privilege by the erstwhile Kolathiri Raja. Under his patron Theyyam was reformed with classical elements.
Theyyam costume have composite blend of expressions meaningfully presented with the feeling of identity, dignity, symbolic meaning, magic and caste feelings. Traditionally, it is prepared with naturally available materials. The grand way of adornment with intense make-up for the performance addresses the meaning of a mystical transformation of human into a divine being. Major constituents of dress and make-up are Tender coconut leaves, Rice powder (Arichattu) for white colour, Charcoal for black colour, Turmeric for yellow colour, Areca nut, light softwood planks of ‘Murik’, Coloured cloths, Flowers, Coconut leaves, ‘Murik’–soft wood, Golden paper for wrapping on necklaces and ears.
Forms of Theyam–Theyyam is said to have different forms, each with unique name and story to tell. Performers wear oversized headgear, masks, breast plates, skirts and arm ornaments and spend hours preparing themselves for the ritual. Worn by the 'Theyya' or oracle, this headgear comprises several elaborately carved wooden sections, loosely joined by cord to give an illusion of movement when worn.
Cultural beliefs–By adorning the costume for performing Theyyam the person becomes a deity. It is performed often as an offering for begetting children, employment and cures of illness other ailments. The belief of Theyyam is also associated with a popular myth of Darika Vadham (killing of Darika).