The Art of Theyyams

Theyyam is an ancient spiritual artform which is unique to the state of Kerala - India.The performance includes a performer decorated in various ways, with Red as the prominent color, the temple drummers and vast numbers of devotees from all over Kerala.These performances are mostly conducted in Temples and for the duration of the acts, the performers are considered, the gods. People worship them, make offerings to please them and eventually receive their blessings and predictions for their future.It is estimated that there are around 300 varieties of Theyyam makeups or performances. The right to perform as a Theyyam comes through the ancestral family rights.

This is a photo documentary of such performances shot in Kasaragod area, and Payyanur area of Malabar Kerala, during December 2013.