{"product_id":"vintage-poothan-mask-kerala-poothan-thira","title":"Vintage Poothan Mask | Poothan Thira Ritual Art | Kerala","description":"\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThis vintage Poothan mask from Kerala is a striking ritual object associated with the Poothan–Thira performance tradition of South Malabar. Painted in white, black and red, the mask features the bold colours and exaggerated forms characteristic of ceremonial performance, where masks and costumes are designed to command attention during open-air rituals.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eIn regional mythology, Poothan is regarded as a lieutenant of Lord Shiva, sent to assist Thira, the manifestation of Bhadrakali, during temple-based ceremonial performances. The Poothan–Thira tradition is particularly associated with the regions of Palakkad, southern Malappuram and northern Thrissur, where performances form part of local temple festival traditions.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTraditionally performed during Pooram festivals, Poothan and Thira move through village paths and paddy fields as part of a processional ritual. The performance connects mythology, community worship and seasonal temple celebrations, making the mask an important material expression of Kerala's living ritual and performance culture.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eThe mask itself was traditionally a removable component of the performer's elaborate costume, worn alongside distinctive headgear, body paint and other ceremonial elements. Its strongly modelled features and contrasting palette would have enhanced the performer's presence during outdoor performances. The surviving pigment wear and softened surface are consistent with age and handling, giving the mask the character of a ritual object rather than a purely decorative piece.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cspan\u003eNow mounted on a custom stand for preservation and display, this vintage Poothan mask offers a tangible connection to the material culture of Kerala's ritual performance traditions. It is particularly suited to collectors of Indian masks, Kerala ritual art, South Indian performance traditions and vintage ceremonial objects.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDetails\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"isSelectedEnd\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eObject:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Vintage Poothan Ritual Mask\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eTradition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Poothan–Thira Ritual Performance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eRegion:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Kerala, South India\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003ePeriod:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Vintage, early-mid 20th century\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eColours:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e White, black and red\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eUse:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Traditionally worn as part of Poothan ritual performance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eFeatures:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Bold painted surface and exaggerated ceremonial features\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eMask Dimensions:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e H17.7 × L11.4 × W8.6 in\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eHeight with Stand:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e 28.7 in\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eCondition:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Vintage with natural age-related pigment wear and surface softening\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eDisplay:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Mounted on a stand for preservation and display\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003cspan\u003eAuthenticity:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan\u003e Comes with an authenticity certificate from The Blue Trunk.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e","brand":"The Blue Trunk","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51034367033642,"sku":null,"price":28095.24,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0677\/6297\/9114\/files\/KD_00114.jpg?v=1767848200","url":"https:\/\/www.thebluetrunk.in\/en-us\/products\/vintage-poothan-mask-kerala-poothan-thira","provider":"The Blue Trunk","version":"1.0","type":"link"}