Tholpavakoothu traditionally uses oil lamps as the sole light source to cast shadows against a white screen.
The puppets are articulated at the shoulder and elbow joints to allow for dynamic motion during performances.
Performers use specific rhythmic instruments like the Ezhupara, Chenda, and Maddalam to accompany the puppet dialogue.
The craft of shadow puppetry in this region is historically rooted in the worship of the goddess Bhadrakali.
Scripts for these performances are based on the Kamba Ramayana, traditionally rendered in a mix of Sanskrit and Tamil-influenced Malayalam.
The leather puppets are treated with specific natural oils and dyes to achieve the required translucency for shadow projection.
The Tholpavakoothu Kerala Puppetry Centre in Koonathara serves as a primary preservation site for the ancient shadow puppetry art form native to Kerala. The centre functions as both a performance space and an educational school dedicated to the Kothavu tradition. Exhibits feature intricate, hand-crafted leather puppets traditionally made from deerskin or goat hide. The craft relies on centuries-old scripts from the Kamba Ramayana, adapted into a distinct local dialect. Visitors can observe the manufacturing process of these translucent, articulated puppets. The centre is actively involved in training new generations to sustain the performance ritual historically performed in Bhadrakali temples. It maintains a direct connection to the lineage of master puppeteers from the Pulavar family.
The studio workspace where artisans are actively carving or painting the leather figures.
Call ahead to coordinate your visit with ongoing puppet-making workshops or practice sessions.
Engage with the resident artists to learn about the significance of the character designs, as each figure represents specific mythological traits.
Carry a notebook to document the specific traditional iconography used in the puppet motifs.
Do not touch the delicate leather puppets or the performance screens without explicit permission from the master puppeteers.
Visits are best scheduled by appointment; activity is significantly reduced during peak monsoon periods.
Remove footwear before entering the performance or studio areas; maintain a quiet demeanor to respect the educational environment.
