THE RITUAL ART OF TEYYAM AND BHUTARADHANE

Text and Photographs by FRANCESCO D’ORAZI FLAVONI

1990 136pp. col. and b&w plates, bibl., ISBN: 81-7107-026-4, Rs. 575 (HB)

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This work is unencumbered by ethnography. It serves as a valuable introduction to what is called at the IGNCA, loka paramaparā – the people’ tradition. As a picture book it is an art-work of high quality and as a descriptive material it is a new and fresh exposition of Rabari lifestyle.

Edited by SITA K. NAMBIAR

1996, xvi+128pp. col. and b&w illus., gloss, bibl., appen., index ISBN: 81-7013-149-9, Rs 600(HB)

This book on the ritual art of Teyyam and Bhūtārādhane as noticed among some ethnic groups of Kerala and Karnataka brings into focus metaphysical happenings in the life of the people and its reflection in folk tradition. Teyyam is enacted to gain redressal from the spirits.The author has tried to describe the performances, in which the performer gets engrossed, totally transformed and transcended to the world of unseen forces of nature, impersonating the gods and goddesses by way of theatrical arts and exhibiting his so-called divine power by uncanny behaviour. Various other manifestations of art forms connected with the ritual art of Teyyam have also been discussed here. The art of ritual paintings, crafts and practices relating to the preparation of the head gears and the performing arts are well-covered in the book. It is complete with annotated glossary oflocal terms and profuse authentic illustrations.