Ethnographic Arms & Armour
 

Go Back   Ethnographic Arms & Armour > Discussion Forums > Ethnographic Weapons

Reply
 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 24th February 2019, 12:02 PM   #1
Bill M
Member
 
Bill M's Avatar
 
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: USA Georgia
Posts: 1,599
Default 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.
Bill M is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 24th February 2019, 11:28 PM   #2
Ian
Vikingsword Staff
 
Ian's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: The Aussie Bush
Posts: 4,008
Default

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.
Ian is offline   Reply With Quote
Old 25th February 2019, 11:06 AM   #3
Battara
EAAF Staff
 
Battara's Avatar
 
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: Louisville, KY
Posts: 7,135
Default

A silver sword! 😳

Thanks not only for posting this but also for the background story for context. 😊
Battara is offline   Reply With Quote
Reply

Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off

Forum Jump


All times are GMT +1. The time now is 11:51 AM.


Powered by vBulletin® Version 3.8.11
Copyright ©2000 - 2024, vBulletin Solutions Inc.
Posts are regarded as being copyrighted by their authors and the act of posting material is deemed to be a granting of an irrevocable nonexclusive license for display here.