Vintage Wooden Thira Mask

This vintage wooden mask comes from the tradition of Poothan Thira in Kerala. During temple Poorams in Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram, performers wearing masks like this would dance through the night to honour Thira, a fierce form of the goddess Kali.

What makes the ritual even more fascinating is how it moves beyond the temple. Dancers don’t just perform on stage—they actually go from house to house, stopping in courtyards to dance for a few minutes. Families welcome them with lamps or small offerings of rice or coins, and in return, they believe blessings are passed on to the home.

The wide eyes and bold features carved into the mask aren’t just for drama—they’re meant to capture the watchful, protective power of the goddess. Mounted today on a removable stand, this vintage piece is both a striking collectible and a reminder of how art, ritual, and community came together in Kerala’s living traditions.