Northern Kerala (South India)
polychromed wood
A finely carved panel depicting a stout squatted figure, probably a dwarapala.
Theyyam is the ancient Malabar performance-ritual in which empowered men, after suitable mental, physical and spiritual preparations ‘become’ the deities. Wearing spectacular costumes and headdresses and with their human features hidden behind mask-like make-up, they enter the shrine’s precincts to make the final transference from one state of consciousness to another. The defining moment comes when they gaze into a mirror and see not their own made-up face but a reflection of the deity. Once this line has been crossed, devotees can directly approach, honour and question a deity belonging to an extraordinary pantheon of divine beings, consisting not only of gods and goddesses but deified ancestors, warrior heroes, animals, ghosts and spirits.
Size (cms): 19(H) x 15(W) x 6(D)
Size (inches): 7.5(H) x 6(W) x 2.5(D)
