Types of Theyyam

Though one cannot imagine the exact figure of Theyyam, there are approximately 400 types of theyyam. some of the Theyyam are

Pallivettakkorumakan

Vishnumoorthi

Sree Muthappan Theyyam

Padikutti Amma

Padarkulangara Bhagavathy

Puliyur Kali

Pullikarim Kali

Pulikandan

Marapuli

Kandapuli

Pulimaruthan

Karinthiri Nair

Puthiya Bhagavathy

Kuttikol Thamburatti Theyyam

Elayor Theyyam

Muthur Theyyam

Vannathan

Chuzhali Bhagavathy

Kannangat Bhagavathy

Kodoth Chamundi

Agni Kandakarnan

Moovalamkuzhi Chamundi

Palot Daivam

Manakkott Amma

Karim Chamundi

Muthala Theyyam

Elleduth Bhagavathy

Chembilot Bhagavath

Vellarangara Bhagavathy

Kuttichathan

Koroth Naga Bhagavathy

Vettakorumakan

Karimanal Chamundi

Peruvamba Chamundi

Eroth Chamundi

Kizhakkeveettil Chamundi

Kaitha Chamundi

Madayil Chamundi

Pethalan

Pullon

Chooliyar Bhagavathy

Kodoth Chamundi

Olassa Poomala Bagavathi

Astamachal Bagavathy

Nagacherry Bhagavathy

Meethale Theyyam

Oyola Bagavathi

Padaveeran

kurathiyamma

"Importance Of Theyyam Costunes"

In order to express the characteristic i.e silent, beautiful or angry nature of the Theyyam, over and above the face decoration, the costumes also play an important role. The shape of the ‘Mudi’ differs based on the character of the Theyyam. Round shaped ‘Mudi’ with fire balls showing the angry mood and violent nature, beautiful and long shaped ‘Mudi’ with different and attractive ornaments showing the silent and friendly characteristic are important features of Theyyams.The ‘Mudi’ is being decorated with red coloured cloth as well as coloured papers. Also red coloured flowers are used to make it more attractive. Over and above to these items, and in fact, the most important item for the Theyyam costume is the leaves of coconut tree. The leaves of coconut trees are cut into different and attractive shape which plays an important role in the Theyyam costumes. Different types of ornaments made of metal and flower are worn in hands, legs and neck. Arms like sword, arrow, bow, shield, knife, tri-pointed arrow (Trisool) etc. are being used by the Theyyams as part of its costumes.Dried cloth soaked in starch with different decorations is also one of the important costume of the Theyyam. Costume and Make-upTo get the appearance of super-human, peculiar and colourful costume and make-up are used in theyyam dances. Essential componentc of the costume of theyyam dancer are the leaves of coconut tree which are cut and made into different shapes and sizes.Headgear of the dancers is unique and special. Structure of massive headgear and uduthukettu (waist-dress) is usually prepared from arecanut tree and bamboo. Lighted wicks are often fixed on the waist dress and are specific of Theyyattom.Mudi (face) is decorated with a red cloth and colored papers. Red colored flowers are also used for an even more attractive appearance.

"Performance Of Theyyam"

Theyyam is performed by male members of particular castes only. Malayan, Pulayan, Vannan, Anjoottan, Munnutton, Velan, Chungathan, Koppalan and Mayilon are some of the castes who perform theyyam.Theyyam dance has its roots in the ancient tribal culture of Kerala dating back to the Dravidian age. It lays great importance to worship of heroes and ancestral spirits. Theyyam sees a wonderful amalgamation of dance, mime and music. Chenda, veekku chenda, elathalam and kurumkuzhal are the musical instruments used in theyyatom.There are about 450 known forms of "theyyams" and each has got its own myth and style of costumes, make-up, choreography and songs.Influence of prominent Hindu sects of Shakteyas (followers of Mother Goddess Shakti), Vaishnavites (followers of Lord Vishnu) and Shaivites (followers of Lord Shiva) is apparent on Theyyam cult.Theyyam is supported by a vast literature of folk songs. Besides the theme of worshiping Mother Goddesses and animals, Theyyam also narrates the tales and woes of people who lost their lives in battlefield, pangs of women who committed suicide or persons killed by the local chieftains. Such people are honoured through theyyams performed in front of shrines.