Theyyam Sword

Bill M · 24th February 2019, 12:02 PM

Been long fascinated by the Theyyam Dance Gods in Kerala south India.

"According to K. K. N. Kurup, it can be said that all the prominent characteristics of primitive, tribal, religious worship had widened the stream of Theyyam cult, where "even the followers of Islam are associated with the cult in its functional aspect"[2] and made it a deep-rooted folk religion of millions. For instance, the cult of Bhagawathi, the Mother Goddesses had and still has an important place in Theyyam. Besides this, the practices like spirit-worship, ancestor-worship, hero-worship, masathi-worship, tree-worship, animal worship, serpent-worship, the worship of the Goddesses of disease and the worship of Graamadhevataa (Village-Deity) are included in the mainstream of the Theyyam cult. Along with these Gods and Goddesses there exist innumerable folk Gods and Goddesses. Most of these Goddesses are known as Bhagavathy (the Mother-Goddess that is the Divine and United form of the three principal Goddesses namely, Brahmani (Saraswati), Vaishnavi (Lakshmi), and Shivani (Durga))." Wikipedia

A good friend who went to India as an exchange student many years ago and fell in love with the country. He learned the languages and customs and despite his very light skin, red hair and blue eyes he was accepted where ever he went.

He became a Sadhu, wandering ascetic holy man with nothing but a bowl and loin cloth. He later studied with the Tibetan Rinpoche (Jeweled Ones)in Kathmandu.

He sent me some marvelous artifacts that makes up the bulk of our collection. One of these pieces is a silver sword that was used in Theyyam "Dance Gods." Men who go into trance in elaborate costumes and become one of the Goddesses.

When he sent me this sword, he reverently told me that the Goddess held it in her hand.

I am fortunate to know him, for many years.

Ian · 24th February 2019, 11:28 PM

Bill,

Thanks for posting this most interesting piece. Southern Indian swords of this general form date back many centuries, and often have longstanding religious significance. Do you have any idea when this silver representation was actually made? It appears to be an expertly created piece of some distinction.

Ian.

Battara · 25th February 2019, 11:06 AM

A silver sword! 😳

Thanks not only for posting this but also for the background story for context. 😊

24th February 2019, 12:02 PM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Theyyam Sword Been long fascinated by the Theyyam Dance Gods in Kerala south India. "According to K. K. N. Kurup, it can be said that all the prominent characteristics of primitive, tribal, religious worship had widened the stream of Theyyam cult, where "even the followers of Islam are associated with the cult in its functional aspect"[2] and made it a deep-rooted folk religion of millions. For instance, the cult of Bhagawathi, the Mother Goddesses had and still has an important place in Theyyam. Besides this, the practices like spirit-worship, ancestor-worship, hero-worship, masathi-worship, tree-worship, animal worship, serpent-worship, the worship of the Goddesses of disease and the worship of Graamadhevataa (Village-Deity) are included in the mainstream of the Theyyam cult. Along with these Gods and Goddesses there exist innumerable folk Gods and Goddesses. Most of these Goddesses are known as Bhagavathy (the Mother-Goddess that is the Divine and United form of the three principal Goddesses namely, Brahmani (Saraswati), Vaishnavi (Lakshmi), and Shivani (Durga))." Wikipedia A good friend who went to India as an exchange student many years ago and fell in love with the country. He learned the languages and customs and despite his very light skin, red hair and blue eyes he was accepted where ever he went. He became a Sadhu, wandering ascetic holy man with nothing but a bowl and loin cloth. He later studied with the Tibetan Rinpoche (Jeweled Ones)in Kathmandu. He sent me some marvelous artifacts that makes up the bulk of our collection. One of these pieces is a silver sword that was used in Theyyam "Dance Gods." Men who go into trance in elaborate costumes and become one of the Goddesses. When he sent me this sword, he reverently told me that the Goddess held it in her hand. I am fortunate to know him, for many years. Attached Images Last edited by Bill M; 24th February 2019 at 01:04 PM.

24th February 2019, 11:28 PM	#2
Ian Vikingsword Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: The Aussie Bush Posts: 4,194	Bill, Thanks for posting this most interesting piece. Southern Indian swords of this general form date back many centuries, and often have longstanding religious significance. Do you have any idea when this silver representation was actually made? It appears to be an expertly created piece of some distinction. Ian.

25th February 2019, 11:06 AM	#3
Battara EAAF Staff Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Louisville, KY Posts: 7,219	A silver sword! 😳 Thanks not only for posting this but also for the background story for context. 😊