Theyyam Bronze Shield

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

Tim Simmons · 17th December 2006, 05:48 PM

Bill, you have seen some of my work. This is a lovely thing, nice casting.

Jens Nordlunde · 17th December 2006, 09:37 PM

It's an interesting shield, i have never seen one like it - but then again, there are many things i have not seen as yet

. Thanks for showing.

spiral · 18th December 2006, 12:42 AM

Another lovely piece Bill, As Tim says, great casting. very skillful.

Spiral

Bill M · 18th December 2006, 12:56 AM

Thank you Jens.

What do you think the symbolism of the hooded cobra means on the Theyyam shield? Could it have a relationship to the kundalini peeking out the Ajna? Could the Ida and Pingala be lurking somewhere nearby?

Let me dig up a Theyyam sword and maybe a bronze breastplate.... I mean armor.

utami · 21st December 2006, 05:09 AM

This piece trully show beauty and the craftmanship

Lovely....

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

17th December 2006, 09:37 PM	#3
Jens Nordlunde Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Europe Posts: 2,718	It's an interesting shield, i have never seen one like it - but then again, there are many things i have not seen as yet. Thanks for showing.

17th December 2006, 05:48 PM	#2
Tim Simmons Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: What is still UK Posts: 5,824	Bill, you have seen some of my work. This is a lovely thing, nice casting.

18th December 2006, 12:42 AM	#4
spiral Member Join Date: Dec 2004 Posts: 1,712	Another lovely piece Bill, As Tim says, great casting. very skillful. Spiral

18th December 2006, 12:56 AM	#5
Bill M Member Join Date: Mar 2005 Location: USA Georgia Posts: 1,599	Thank you Jens. What do you think the symbolism of the hooded cobra means on the Theyyam shield? Could it have a relationship to the kundalini peeking out the Ajna? Could the Ida and Pingala be lurking somewhere nearby? Let me dig up a Theyyam sword and maybe a bronze breastplate.... I mean armor.

21st December 2006, 05:09 AM	#6
utami Member Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Java, Indonesia Posts: 49	This piece trully show beauty and the craftmanship Lovely....