Theyyam Masks: Warrior Gods-Goddess from Kerala

Theyyam is a socio-religious performative form from Kerala. Masks such as these are used in rituals and ceremonial dances. These wooden compositions usually include carved details of a warrior Gods-Goddess, flanked by various domesticated animals who play an important role in the battlefields and the devotees. There are animalistic demons representing the natural world in a mostly theological context. Theyyam ceremonies have a history spanning many centuries. Their deities are mainly derived from Shaivism and Shaktism, Hindu traditions of Shiva and Shakti worship respectively.