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Rare Theyyam Folk Bronze
Kerala, south India, 19th century
height: 13.8 cm
Bronze Theyyam statues are rarely seen. They were made as offerings and kept in Theyyam temples. This example is exceptional. It combines visceral ‘folk’
bronze casting with the level of detail normally reserved for traditional, Brahminic imagery. Note the large head-dress, which is held up with a twisted rope, the
stylised face, heavy and elaborate earrings, the bracelets and anklets, the traditional ritual bell held in the left hand, the pleated dhoti and the particular
elongated body-shape.
Theyyam (or Teyyam) is a ritual possession-oracle dance of the Malabar Coast (north Kerala) that dates back at least a thousand years. It blends dance
(Kalaripayattu), music and religious worship. Extraordinarily codified and elaborate, the ritual is a unique mixture of local indigenous customs and Brahminic
influences. Nearly all the Theyyams (the name of the dancer as well as the ritual) come from the lowest castes, while the ‘attendants’ come from the Brahminic,
priestly, caste.
After hours of preparation and the fastidious application of make-up and costume, the ritual dancer, upon seeing himself in a mirror, ‘becomes’ the Theyyam
deity called upon (often, but not exclusively, a Theyyam goddess). The Theyyam, in a state of trance or possession, performs a highly elaborated dance,
usually many hours long, culminating in the dancer becoming an oracle for the assembled devotees, answering personal questions, solving problems, and
looking into the future.
The Brahmins with their social and caste superiority also patronised the Theyyam gods and goddesses, in an interesting mixing of the two cultures from either
end of the caste spectrum. They even established their own shrines and kavus (groves) for Theyyam deities where non-brahmanical rituals and customs are
observed.
Inventory no.: 167
This Item is available - Ask about this item
Rare Theyyam Folk Bronze
Kerala, south India, 19th century
height: 13.8 cm
Bronze Theyyam statues are rarely seen. They were made as offerings and kept in Theyyam temples. This example is exceptional. It combines visceral ‘folk’
bronze casting with the level of detail normally reserved for traditional, Brahminic imagery. Note the large head-dress, which is held up with a twisted rope, the
stylised face, heavy and elaborate earrings, the bracelets and anklets, the traditional ritual bell held in the left hand, the pleated dhoti and the particular
elongated body-shape.
Theyyam (or Teyyam) is a ritual possession-oracle dance of the Malabar Coast (north Kerala) that dates back at least a thousand years. It blends dance
(Kalaripayattu), music and religious worship. Extraordinarily codified and elaborate, the ritual is a unique mixture of local indigenous customs and Brahminic
influences. Nearly all the Theyyams (the name of the dancer as well as the ritual) come from the lowest castes, while the ‘attendants’ come from the Brahminic,
priestly, caste.
After hours of preparation and the fastidious application of make-up and costume, the ritual dancer, upon seeing himself in a mirror, ‘becomes’ the Theyyam
deity called upon (often, but not exclusively, a Theyyam goddess). The Theyyam, in a state of trance or possession, performs a highly elaborated dance,
usually many hours long, culminating in the dancer becoming an oracle for the assembled devotees, answering personal questions, solving problems, and
looking into the future.
The Brahmins with their social and caste superiority also patronised the Theyyam gods and goddesses, in an interesting mixing of the two cultures from either
end of the caste spectrum. They even established their own shrines and kavus (groves) for Theyyam deities where non-brahmanical rituals and customs are
observed.
Inventory no.: 167
This Item is available - Ask about this item
