page_title: Tholpavakoothu
section_title: Puppets
hierarchical_section_title: Tholpavakoothu / Puppets
caption_attribution_description: മലയാളം: തോല്‌പ്പാവ തിരശ്ശീലയ്ക്കു പിന്നിൽ നിന്ന്
context_page_description: Tholpavakoothu is a form of shadow puppetry that is practiced in Kerala, India. It is performed using leather puppets as a ritual dedicated to Bhadrakali and is performed in Devi temples in specially built theatres called koothumadams. This art form is especially popular in the Palakkad, Thrissur and Malappuram districts of Kerala.
context_section_description: The puppets used in Tholpavakoothu used to be made out of deerskin but are now typically made from goatskin. The puppets are painted in vegetable dyes, as these dyes last long. Some puppets can be as tall as four feet. The puppets are controlled using two sticks; the puppeteer holds the puppet in one hand while its limbs are manipulated using a thinner stick held in the puppeteer's other hand.
caption: Tholpavakoothu puppet as seen from behind the screen
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