Aesthetics and power in Pāmbin Tullal: a possession ritual of rural Kerala

Neff, Deborah L.

article

Aesthetics and power in Pāmbin Tullal: a possession ritual of rural Kerala

Ethnology • 26 (1) • Published In 1987 • Pages: 63-71

By: Neff, Deborah L..

Abstract
When afflicted by misfortunes such as childlessness, poor health, death, lack of marriage proposals, or joblessness, Nayar caste families seek the help of serpent deities. A key aspect of the ritual, performed by specialists from the Pulluvar caste, involves the symbolic feeding of eight mythological serpent deities represented in colorful floor drawings. This article discusses aesthetic aspects of these drawings, valued not only for their beauty as works of art but also for their power or efficacy.

Prayers and sacrifices

Organized ceremonial

Sacred objects and places

Ritual

General character of religion

Gender roles and issues

Inter-community relations

Revelation and divination