Character Design Challenge.
Theme: Heavy Metal.
Heavy-Metal Aghori.
Theme: Indian Dancer.
Theyyam is a dance form that is seen to be performed by the people of the North Malabar region of Kerela.
The performer, is said to be transformed into 'God' during the performance and people seek blessings from the human oracle. The interesting fact about this dance form is that, the dance is performed exclusively by people belonging ("by birth") to the so-called lower caste, and other people that have gathered around, even 'Brahmins', seek blessings from the 'performer turned deity'. This in fact, inverts the social hierarchy, even if just superficially.
The performer dons an elaborate costume, mostly shades of red and orange, with special emphasis given to the head-gear, something that causes the performers to turn into the deity. The costume, 'chenda', as it is called, can weigh upto 40 Kgs (~90 pounds), with a height of nearly 12 feet when mounted on the shoulder for the performer!
Though, recent times have seen performers living in very poor conditions, often brutal, as the pay scale is very low. Some are also moving out in search of better career opportunities, which is sad and is ultimately leading to obscurity. Few people though, are working towards avoiding that.
The performer, is said to be transformed into 'God' during the performance and people seek blessings from the human oracle. The interesting fact about this dance form is that, the dance is performed exclusively by people belonging ("by birth") to the so-called lower caste, and other people that have gathered around, even 'Brahmins', seek blessings from the 'performer turned deity'. This in fact, inverts the social hierarchy, even if just superficially.
The performer dons an elaborate costume, mostly shades of red and orange, with special emphasis given to the head-gear, something that causes the performers to turn into the deity. The costume, 'chenda', as it is called, can weigh upto 40 Kgs (~90 pounds), with a height of nearly 12 feet when mounted on the shoulder for the performer!
Though, recent times have seen performers living in very poor conditions, often brutal, as the pay scale is very low. Some are also moving out in search of better career opportunities, which is sad and is ultimately leading to obscurity. Few people though, are working towards avoiding that.
Thank you for scrolling. :D
