Theyyam Head Set – Hand-painted Kerala Ritual Art

Set side by side without individual stands, these two heads pair a smaller head with sunburst medallions dotted across the forehead and cheeks, and a gold beaded arc curving across the upper lip, with sunburst medallions dotted across the forehead and cheeks, alongside a larger head marked by a silver ekir, the long ornament worn over the mouth in Theyyam to suggest fierce, bared teeth. Displayed together, the pairing has an informal, gathered quality — closer to how figures might rest together after a ritual than a formally matched display set.

Theyyam festivals across North Malabar, Kerala frequently bring multiple deity figures into the same ritual space, and this set of two hand-carved heads reflects that sense of communal presence. Each is individually carved from solid wood and hand-painted by our studio artisans, with the medallion detailing on the smaller head and the ekir on the larger head worked separately to preserve the character of each design.

Because these pieces come without individual stands, they suit a styled shelf, mantel, or tabletop grouping where they can simply rest side by side. This makes them a versatile and thoughtful gift for someone building a broader collection of Kerala ritual art.

Material: Solid Wood, hand-carved and hand-painted.

Dimension: Big head: 10 inches x 5 inches x 5 inches.
                    Small head: 8 inches x 4 inches x 4 inches.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do these heads come with individual display stands?

No, this set is designed to rest directly on a shelf, mantel, or table surface rather than on individual stands.

What is the ornament worn over the mouth on the larger head?

It is called an ekir, a traditional silver or brass ornament worn over the mouth in Theyyam to suggest fierce, bared teeth.

Is each head individually hand-painted?

Yes, both pieces are hand-carved and hand-painted separately by our studio artisans, so natural variation between the two is expected.

What is Theyyam?

Theyyam is a ritual art form from North Malabar, Kerala, in which performers embody deities through elaborate face painting and costume during temple festivals.

Is this set a good gift for a Kerala art collector?

Yes, its pairing of two individually hand-painted heads makes it a meaningful addition to a collection of Kerala ritual art.

How do I care for this set?

Wipe both pieces with a soft, dry cloth and keep them away from water and prolonged direct sunlight.