Ethnographic Arms & Armour - View Single Post

Bill M · 17th December 2006, 05:41 PM

9.5" x 6.5" Very old. Bronze ceremonial shield from the Theyyam of Kerala. Cobra nagas at the four points provide protection from spirits while the dancer in deep trance becomes a god or goddess.

Often wrathful goddesses are invoked, like in the picture, aspects of Kali.

This shield is not the one held by the dancer. It is MUCH older.

http://www.theyyam.8m.com/about.htm

17th December 2006, 05:41 PM	#1
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Theyyam Bronze Shield 9.5" x 6.5" Very old. Bronze ceremonial shield from the Theyyam of Kerala. Cobra nagas at the four points provide protection from spirits while the dancer in deep trance becomes a god or goddess. Often wrathful goddesses are invoked, like in the picture, aspects of Kali. This shield is not the one held by the dancer. It is MUCH older. http://www.theyyam.8m.com/about.htm Attached Images