Art & Artisans of Kasaragod

Theyyam is a sacred ritual art form of Northern Kerala that dates back over 800 years. It is a vibrant and theatrical form of worship where the performer embodies a deity and is believed to be possessed by divine spirit during the performance.

Performers undergo rigorous training from a young age, learning complex dance movements, elaborate makeup techniques, and intricate costume creation. Rajesh Peruvannan comes from a family that has been practicing this art form for generations.

Each Theyyam performance is unique, with over 400 distinct forms representing different deities. The performances often include fire rituals, acrobatics, and intense physical movements that can last for hours.

The traditional handloom weaving in Kasaragod has a history dating back centuries. Local weavers like Lakshmi Devi produce distinctive textiles known for their quality and intricate designs.

The Kasaragod handloom industry specializes in cotton and silk sarees with distinctive patterns that reflect the region's cultural heritage. Traditional wooden looms are used, and the entire process from thread preparation to weaving is done by hand.

These handloom products are not just items of clothing but represent a cultural legacy and sustainable fashion. Each piece takes several days to complete and incorporates motifs inspired by nature, mythology, and local traditions.

Kerala wood carving is a traditional craft that has adorned temples, palaces, and traditional homes for centuries. Master craftsmen like Gopalan Asari create intricate designs that tell stories from mythology and showcase local flora and fauna.

The craft involves using local hardwoods like rosewood, teak, and jackfruit wood. Each piece is meticulously carved by hand using traditional tools that have remained largely unchanged for generations.

Wood carvers typically train through a guru-shishya (master-apprentice) system, with skills passed down through families. The art form is now gaining renewed appreciation as part of heritage conservation efforts.

Kerala mural painting is a traditional art form characterized by detailed illustrations, vibrant colors, and themes drawn from Hindu mythology. Artists like Sreelatha K use natural pigments and traditional techniques to create these stunning works.

Traditional murals use only five colors, each with symbolic meaning: yellow, red, green, black, and white. These colors are derived from natural sources like plant extracts, minerals, and even stones ground into fine powder.

The process involves preparing the surface with a special plaster, sketching the outline, and then filling in colors in a specific order. A complete mural can take months to finish, depending on its size and complexity.

Bell metal craftsmanship in Kerala produces traditional items like lamps, vessels, and musical instruments. Craftsmen like Manoj Mooshari create these objects using an alloy of copper and tin that produces a distinctive resonant sound when struck.

The craft involves multiple stages: creating clay models, preparing molds, melting and casting the metal, and finally polishing the finished product. Traditional techniques ensure each piece has excellent acoustic properties and durability.

Bell metal items are not just functional but are integral to Kerala's cultural and religious practices. The traditional bell metal lamps (Nilavilakku) are essential elements in temples, churches, and homes for rituals and ceremonies.

Traditional pottery in Kerala creates eco-friendly cookware and decorative items that have been part of Kerala households for centuries. Kunjambu continues this ancient tradition using locally sourced clay and natural colors.

The distinctive red-brown color of Kerala pottery comes from the iron-rich clay found in the region. Potters use traditional hand-turning wheels and firing techniques that have been passed down through generations.

Kerala pottery is known for its water cooling properties and ability to enhance the flavor of food. Common items include water pots (Kindi), cooking vessels (Chatti), and storage containers that are both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

Kalaripayattu is one of the oldest martial art forms in the world, originating in Kerala over 3,000 years ago. It combines combat techniques, physical exercises, and healing methods, with practitioners like Madhavan Gurukkal preserving its authentic traditions.

Training takes place in a 'Kalari', a specialized pit or arena with clay flooring and traditional architecture. Students progress through various stages, starting with body conditioning, moving to wooden weapons, and finally metal weapons.

Beyond combat, Kalaripayattu includes Marma treatment (pressure point therapy) and indigenous medical practices. The art form has influenced many performance traditions in Kerala including Theyyam and Kathakali.