This beautifully carved headdress is worn during the Poothanthira festival in Kerala. It is made by joining together separate wedge-shaped pieces loosely strung together to accommodate the performer’s movements. The central figure depicts the Goddess Lakshi, carved in high relief, seated on a lotus lustrated by two elephants flanking on either side. The ‘kirtimukha’ relief beneath the Goddess has a fierce look and is positioned right above the wearer’s head for dramatic effect. The Goddess is placed between ten processional figures of musicians and attendants carrying staffs, drums, cymbals, trumpets, etc., carved in low relief.
Poothan and Thira is a ritualistic art form found in the South Malabar region of Kerala in India, in which people dance in costumes representing Poothan, Shiva’s lieutenant, and Thira, the Goddess Kali, to the accompaniment of drummers. The festival celebrates the victory of the Goddess Kali over Darika along with the Thiras and Poothas. A typical Poothan and Thira performance includes shouts and wild gestures and may include percussion and horns as well as drums.
