An analysis of reverential ecofear in Theyyam: A ritualistic performance of North-Malabar
Date
2021-04-08
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
In Search of Fearlessness Research Intitute & The Fearology Institute
Abstract
Theyyam is a ritualistic performance in the North-Malabar region of Kerala, India. It carries ritualistic elements such as worship and penance along with the convergence of various forms like dance, painting, and music. The legendary and mythical characters in Theyyam performances are acted out by artistically skilled men of the exploited sections of the society including Malayas, Pulayas, Vannans, Velans, and Thiyyas. Though the performance of Theyyam by the subaltern communities signals the fearless resistance against the prevailing hierarchies and hegemonies in the society, it also has been used by the system as an ideological means to contain the oppositions or resistance from its subjects. The ritualistic expression of fear and respect forms the basis of each Theyyam performances. Often, people's fear of nature is ritualistically manifested through Theyyam performance. People's fear is concerned mainly with the matters of diseases, reproduction and yield in agriculture. These concerns are well articulated in different folk narratives including Kothamooriyattam, Kaliyanattam and the Theyyam performances including Muchilottu Bagavathi and Pulimaranja Thondachan Theyyam. The knowledge about nature acquired through a keen observation of natural cycles and other changes in nature by the ancient people is manifested in these ritual performances. This paper critically examines the influence of fear, using the concepts of ecofear and ecophobia, in the formulation of goddesses in Theyyam worship and the connection between the paraphernalia of Theyyam with nature. It examines the case of Theyyottukavu, a sacred grove in the district of Kannur in the light of the concept of ecofear. The paper also, analyses Theyyam and certain Theyyam myths by incorporating the theories of fear studies formulated by the fearologist R. M. Fisher.
Description
Keywords
ecofear, ecophobia, ritual, Theyyam, Mother Goddess, myth
Citation
Sankar A., R. (2021). An analysis of reverential ecofear in Theyyam: A ritualistic performance of North-Malabar. International Journal of Fear Studies, 3(1), 105-15