Dressed in blood red costume, sparkling silver jewelry, perilously poised intricate head gear, heavy gold anklets and bangles that clang above the singing, a pair of glittering, glazed eyes outlined in black on a brightly painted face in orange stares into a shiny mirror- Theyyam, or God stares back. The word Theyyam is considered a derivation of the word Daivam, meaning God. Theyyam has evolved to become an elaborate religious rite, with the player becoming the voice and the manifestation of God on earth.
A popular religious act, Theyyam is an Anushthanam, a sacred ritual, performed by male members of indigenous tribal communities. Depicting various aspects of life with mythical, religious and social backgrounds, there are around four hundred Theyyams with Bhagavathy, Muthappan, Chamundi, Vishnumoorthy and Kuttichathan being the more popular ones.
Whereas many of the other art forms, especially temple arts, require the audience to have a certain level of scholarly training, Theyyam has a vernacular base. Theyyam has evolved from common folklore and mirror issues dealing with day to day life. The Theyyam season starts around November and lasts till around May, except for Muthappan Theyyam, which is performed all year around.
Background
Like many other art forms, Theyyam is an extension and reflection of social life as it was ages ago. Many of the movements and sounds of the art form have survived without drastic changes.
Theyyam pantheon contains gods and goddesses of the local religion with tribal deities like nature, spirits, ancestor and folk heroes. The indigenous tribal civilization of the land, belonging to the Dravidian stock emphasized nature worship. The gradual acculturation with Aryan religions brought their gods and goddesses into the picture. Thus, a colorful amalgam of religion-related culture developed in Kerala, as in the rest of India. However, the discriminating caste system had strict laws regarding social interaction. Surprisingly, Theyyam bridges these caste, religious and class inequalities and Ali Theyyam, which shows Islamic influences, is a prime example. Members of the so-called lower castes performed the Theyyams or Thiras and the upper castes received the blessings with fervor.
The Act of Divinity
Theyyams are usually performed in Kavu or a holy grove, or at times on temple grounds called Madappura. The fact that the rites included animal sacrifice and alcohol could be one of the reasons that the act was kept outside the consecrated grounds. Even though, many of the divine powers depicted by Theyyams are feminine, all Theyyams are performed by male members.
The metamorphosis from human to god is a complex one, often starting long before the Mughadarsanam, or gazing into the mirror. The performer has to go undergo steadfast spiritual and physical exercises, diet restrictions, sometimes fasting, and other necessary religious rituals and regimen called Vratham.
Songs that describe the Theyyam called Thottam accompany the Theyyam in the initial stage. Vaadyam, music from Kuzhal, Chenda, Maddalam and Tudi add to the ambience. Sometimes, an initial, simpler form of the Theyyam, called Vellatom also puts in an appearance. At the Kuri Kodukkal, the Theyyam listens to the believers and gives advice or blessings to them along with holy turmeric powder.
Chamayam, make up fit for Gods
After a break, which could last from a few hours to a day, the actual manifestation of the power reappears, resplendent in its all glorious finery. The Theyyam, now dons the Chamayam- the dress complete with Mukhamezhuth (face painting) and Meyyezhuth (body painting) which use natural products like turmeric, saffron, rice flour and quick lime.
From the top of the head with the intricate headdress called Mudi, to the feet adorned with the Chilambu, the Theyyam now looks the part of the power he represents. The hand, neck and chest ornaments of the Theyyam are called Kaikkaru and the leg ones are called Kakkaru. The waist of the Theyyam is decorated heavily with an attire made of cloth, bamboo, coconut leaves and other ornaments together called Arachamayam, Ara meaning waist. At times Theekolams, the dangerous ones that deal with fire, use Vatta Oda and Pandhams or torches. The face accessories like the beard, called Thaadi, and Thalappaali, which is attached to the forehead, and masks called Poimugham, form a separate section in dress up.
The Sacred Ceremony
The fully decked Theyyam, runs and dances between the crowd amidst chants, yells, cries and even laughs, with distinct footwork called Kalasams. He holds sacred weapons, symbols of divinity called Thiruvayudham. He blesses the crowd and does many rituals as the situation demands. At times, animal sacrifices are called for during particular Theyyams like Vasoorimala, Chamundi, Uchitta etc. For the rite called Vadakke Vathil, roosters are beheaded in front of a sacred square called Kolam, made out of stems of bamboo and coconut leaves.
At the final stage of the performance, Thirumudiazhikkal, the Theyyam dances itself into a deep frenzy and falls into a stage of unconsciousness. Once the Theyyam wakes up from the trance, the human identity of the performer is regained. The divine headdress is removed to symbolically represent that the supreme power has left the physical body of the Theyyam.
From the first step of Thirumudivekkal to the final act of Thirumudiazhikkal, the Theyyam and the believers feel and see god in all its supreme glory. This incredibly intense and dramatic event evokes awe, admiration and reverence- for the very human element in this divine dance of gods.