Teyyam : A Divine Dance Tradition of Kerala

Contents: Foreword. Preface. 1. Teyyam : an overview. 2. Kaliyattam and Perumkaliyattam. 3. Cultic diversity in Teyyam. 4. Performing communities. 5. Costumes, makeup, musical instruments and rituals. 6. Muttappan : a popular Teyyam. 7. Social change in Teyyam cult. Bibliography.

"This book contains an account of Teyyam, a divine dance of North Kerala in which the performer after undergoing several rituals becomes a deity. It is an investigation into the historical, mythological, anthropological, sociological as well as the artistic aspects of Teyyam. This book brings into focus the totality of this cult, highlighting the time and space of Teyyam, the performing communities, various cults with its mythological backgrounds, the traditional art including paintings, costumes, music along with the performance structure.

It will be useful for those interested in anthropology, folk culture, performing art and intangible cultural heritage." (jacket)