Theyyam

Book Details

• Publisher: Niyogi Books

• Author: K. K. Gopalakrishnan

• Language: English

• Edition: First Edition

• ISBN: 9789389136982

• Pages: 352

• Cover: Hardcover

About The Book

Theyyam: The Spirit of Kerala is a visual and cultural exploration of one of India’s most striking and intricate folk-art traditions, Theyyam, which originates in the northern districts of Kerala. This art form is a unique blend of ritual, dance, and worship, representing the deep-rooted spiritual connection the people of Kerala have with their gods, spirits, and ancestors.

Through stunning photographs, renowned art scholar and photographer K.K. Gopalakrishnan offers an insider’s view of the mesmerizing world of Theyyam. He unveils the captivating details of the elaborate facial and body paintings, intricate headgear, and the colorful costumes that accompany each performance. The book brings to life the unpolished yet powerful rhythms of the ritual, which is performed by those from humble, daily-wage backgrounds, but revered by all—including their masters—during the performances.

In Theyyam, concepts such as Mother, Nature, Fertility, Agriculture, Spirit, Animal, and Warrior are worshipped, with most of the deities being women revered as Mother Goddesses. The art form is egalitarian, allowing devotees from any caste or religion to interact with the goddess directly, without the need for priests or intermediaries.

This book is a tribute to the vibrant and living tradition of Theyyam, capturing not just its visual splendor, but also its spiritual essence and its place in Kerala’s cultural fabric. It is both a rich visual journey and an insightful exploration into the rituals, history, and people who keep this ancient tradition alive.