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Resources » Kerala Special » Arts of Kerala
Theyyam : An Ancient Art Form of Kerala.
Theyyam is one of the prominent art form in Kerala. This article is about Thyyam, Theyyam performance, Theyyam costumes and Theyyam performance in Kerala.
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 What is 'Theyyam'
'Theyyam' is one of the outstanding ancient ritual dance of Kerala, especially North Kerala. The word 'Theyyam' literally means God's Dance. In the local Malayalam language, 'Deyvam' means God and 'Aattam' means dance, hence the word. Actually this is like the same folk dances. But it has got some strong beliefs and myths. The person who represents 'Theyyam' or 'Kolam' is a mythological character. According to the Hindu beliefs, the metaphysical thoughts( God's thoughts) are delivered to the believer through this 'Theyyam'. Hence the 'Theyyam' represents a conductor between God and the man. Theyyam is originated from the ancient tribal ritual 'Kaliyattam' and is then shaped to today's form. It's not the ritual of a particular caste. Every caste and sub-caste in Kerala are involved in Theyyam. Theyyam is usually performed during the festival seasons of North Kerala. The Bhagavathy temples host Theyyam performance during the months of December to April annually. Theyyam performance is also there in some of the parts of nearby state Karnataka and is known as 'Bhootha Kolam'. The basic theme of 'Theyyam's are the epics and stories of the God's and Godesses'. But, more than that, it gives a strong message to the people that with strong and proper rituals a simple man can transform into the superhuman powers of God.
Theyaam Performance
Theyyam is not performed on the stages or any other arrangements. It's performed in simple styles infront of the village or tribla shrines, houses of ancestor-worship etc. You can watch 'Theyyam' by sitting any where else you want, but it should not contradict the rituals and customs. The art is performed in the open space in front of you. People will be gathered in folks. Theyyam is generally focussing on a particular deity and it may continue for more than a day in some cases. During the performance of Theyyam, the dancer tells others the inner message of that deity. And surprisigly, most of the facts listed by 'Theyyam' are the truth.
The art of 'Theyyam' is performed by the Malayan, Vannan, Velan (Thuzhuvelan), Koppalan, Mavilan, Chingatthan, Panan, Parayan, Pampatharavan, anhuttan, Munnuttan etc. communities in Hindu. They should undergo some rituals and fasts during the time of Theyyam performance. Most of all, Theyyam performance is not a profession. The artists are doing it for their village shrine. Theyyam is performed only by males. They get the right to performance in Theyyam from the mother's or wife's family. He needs to know many things including the rituals of all the deities, costumes of deities, folk songs of deities, playing in accordance with drum beats etc. The performer has to dance according to the drum beats and ritual songs. Drum, Cymbal, Kuzhal, Perumbara, Conch, Cherututi, Utukku and Chermangalam are well known musical instruments used in Theyyaaam. These ritual songs delivers the myths and legendary stories of their deities.
Theyyam Costume
What gives Theyyam a prominent place in ritual arts is it's costumes. The costumes are applied according to some myths and the beliefs of the performing community. Most of the costumes are made out of coconut. The coconut sheaths, painted in different colours are used to decorate the performer. The skirts are made out of the fresh coconut fronds. And dry coconut shells form the breast of the deity. The first part of the performance, 'Vellattam', is performed without much costumes and decorations. But when the God is evoked into the performer's body, he gets decorated and dances in the established body style of that particular deity.
Theyyams in Kerala.
Most parts of North Kerala has the perfomance of this art form seasonally. It is performed during the festivals in their 'kavu' or local shrines. Theyyam is also known by the name 'Thira' and Thirayattam. And many of the shrines in Kerala is also conducting this art. The most important of them is the 'Muthappan Theyyam'. Unlike other Theyyams, this is not seasonal. You can watch and understand the ritual at any time in the Parashinikkadavu Temple in Kannur district.Kannan Peruvannan, Ramachandra Panicker etc are some of the main Theyyam artists in Kerala.
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