THEYYAM BREAST PLATE
Origin: Kerala
Material: Wood
The breastplate is worn exclusively by men during the Theyyam festival in Kerela. The dancer turns into Bhadrakali, a popular form of goddess Devi worshipped in Kerala, where she is seen as the auspicious and fortunate form of Kali. Handcrafted from a single piece of wood by skilled artisans it has snakes on shoulders, associated with Shiva, and is also considered a symbol of fertility.