Theyyam with Mirror
Malabar, India 2009: A Theyyam examines his makeup.
Makeup is key in the Theyyam ceremony. The Theyyam, whose family inherits the privilege of becoming a deity, receives superhuman powers of healing, and blessing when he has become the deity or goddess. During the costuming and application of makeup, the Theyyam meditates and prays which is the most important part of his transformation.
The Transformation Begins
An artist who is an acolyte of the Theyyam skillfully decorates Theyyam’s face with fantastic swirls and designs. The Theyyam seemed in a trance as drops of the red/orange makeup had landed on his eyeball and he did not blink. I can see it clearly in the original photo. You can just see a touch of orange under his pupil.