These clothes belong to the traditional ritual dance form Theyam from the state of Kerala.
Theyyam is celebrated not on one national festival, but during the temple season (usually December to April) in North Kerala, especially around Kannur (where this picture was taken) and Kasaragod. It is part of local festivals, often in honour of village deities and ancestor worship.
The characteristics of Theyyam are:
- Bright face painting in shades of green and red
- High, richly decorated headdress with beads and mirrors.
- Ceremonial attire with garlands of flowers and symbolic colours.
- Use of mythological figures from the Hindu tradition.
- Decorative back panel
Born in Gouda in 1957 and lived there until I was 50. Currently living in Rotterdam. Now retired and have all the time for my two hobbies, travelling and photography... Read more…